Community News
School board eyes $3.5 million property tax levy
Members of the Community Unit School District 7 Board of Education on Monday night tentatively approved a property tax levy for taxes to be collected next year in the amount of $3.5 million. A Truth in Taxation hearing is set for the board’s next regular meeting in December, after which the board will officially certify the levy and send it on to the Macoupin County Clerk’s Office. In the meantime, the levy is available for public examination on the district’s website or in the administrative office.
As is standard practice for most school districts, Supt. Shane Owsley told the board the proposed levy is substantially larger than what the district actually expects to receive in property tax revenue during fiscal 2021. State law requires school districts to file tax levies on or before the last Tuesday in December. The district’s total equalized assessed valuation, a critical factor in determining the levy, will not be certified until after Jan. 1, 2022, according to Owsley.
“The tax levy essentially is the amount of money we are requesting,” Owsley explained. “The tax extension (the amount generated by applying the tax rate to the total EAV) is what we actually receive. One of the best explanations I’ve heard is that the levy is like a Christmas list. My daughter may put all kinds of things on her Christmas list, but what she actually receives will be something less. The extension is the amount of money that’s actually provided from taxes. We ask for far more than we can actually get.”
In other action Monday night, the board approved a parent-fund bass fishing program, hired a middle school cross-country coach and running club sponsor and voted to require formal evaluations for certificated and non-certificated employees even though the Illinois State Board of Education has ruled that evaluations may be suspended this academic year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Before the board voted unanimously to accept the tax levy proposal, Owsley presented a brief PointPower presentation about the details of preparing the levy. The levy amounts to an optimistic “wish list” for the district. The Property Tax Extension Limitation Law, adopted by Macoupin County voters in 1995, limits taxing bodies to increasing the levy by no more than five percent or the Consumer Price Index, whichever is less. The CPI essentially is the rate of inflation, which has been set at 1.4 percent this year.
Unusually high inflation during much of the current calendar year may result in a CPI in excess of five percent next year, in which case, the board could raise the levy by the full five percent established under PTELL.
“There’s a possibility we will get the full five percent next year because of a possible increase in the CPI,” Owsley said, “but we won’t know that until next year.”
The limitation imposed by PTELL is one of the primary reasons, school districts overestimate increases in the EAV and inflate their levy requests to the County Clerk. The increased extension resulting from increases in the EAV essentially sets the baseline on which the following year’s levy will be based. It’s the County Clerk’s job to reduce the levy request to align with the actual EAV. If a school district submits a levy based on an underestimated the EAV, the tax revenue it would have realized from the increase is effectively lost forever.
The district’s total EAV has grown from $68,105,288 in 2014 to $82,684,728 last year. The average rate of increase is 2.43 percent per year, but last year the EAV jumped by 10.31 percent over the previous year. Given last year’s substantial increase, CUSD 7 is projecting an 11.8 percent increase in the EAV for 2021 even though the actual increase is unlikely to be that large.
The practice of submitting a levy that is larger than what the extension actually turns out to be is common among school districts. Last year, the district submitted a levy request of $2,499,345 but received $2,297,751 when property taxes actually were extended by the County Clerk.
The County Clerk will determine the actual extension by applying the maximum tax rate to the actual EAV once that number is known.
For the coming year, the district’s proposed levy will be $3,516,979, compared with last year’s extension of $3,142,012. Still, the district currently expects no more than $3,302,673 to be generated from property taxes next year.
At $1,369,880, the Education Fund comprises nearly half of the levy request. The levy requests $354,098 for Operations and Maintenance, $142,102 for Transportation, $33,174 for Working Cash, $95,452 for IMRF, $86,348 for Social Security, $190,159 for Tort, $26,542 for Special Education, and $844,261 for Bond and Interest.
Because the proposed levy exceeds last year’s extension by more than five percent, the district is required to hold a Truth in Taxation hearing during which residents may ask questions or request further clarification. Once the hearing is completed, the board is expected to formally certify the levy and submit it to the County Clerk.
BASS FISHING PROPOSAL
Board members voted unanimously to offer bass fishing as a parent-funded, IHSA-sanctioned activity starting in the spring of 2022. Owsley said IHSA recognized the sport several years ago and now sanctions bass tournaments at the sectional and state levels. Area school districts already offering a bass fishing program for their students include Pana, Pawnee, North-Mac, Vandalia, Litchfield, Greenville and Mount Olive. About 24 local students, both male and female, expressed an interest in participating in such a program if it was available to them.
“A lot of names on the list are kids you don’t think about getting involved in other activities,” Owsley said. “This is an opportunity for students who don’t have an interest in getting into band or other sports.”
Jake Killebrew, who attended Monday night’s meeting, has been an advocate for the program and has worked with Owsley to bring the proposal to the board.
Owsley said when students are fishing, bass boats will be operated by a responsible adult. Only two students per boat will be allowed on the water at a time.
For IHSA tournaments, the team would be limited to two boats and no more than eight anglers. Killebrew said tournament participants probably would be selected in a similar fashion to how track and field athletes are selected for tournament competition. Coaches would select the team’s best anglers and best boats.
Weye Schmidt worried about the number of students waiting onshore while other anglers are fishing with adult boat owners.
“You could have 38 kids onshore with fishing rods,” Schmidt said. “That’s a lot for one person to keep track of.”
Killebrew said volunteers would attempt to have enough available boats to get as many students on the water simultaneously as possible. “I have access to three boats myself,” he said.
In a related matter, the board voted to post vacancies for one volunteer sponsor for the program and at least one volunteer assistant.
In other personnel matters, the board voted unanimously to appoint Jay Weber as Gillespie Middle School cross-country coach and as sponsor for a CUSD 7 Running Club. Both positions were created last month.
Additionally, the board posted a vacancy for a volunteer assistant GMS cross-country coach.
TEACHER EVALUATIONS
On Owsley’s recommendation, the board voted to continue formal performance evaluations for teachers and non-certificated staff. Last year the State Board of Education waived its mandate for annual teacher evaluations because of the COVID pandemic and left the waiver in place for this year. Owsley said he had met with the district’s Evaluation Committee to discuss the need to continue evaluations.
“My recommendation is that teacher evaluations continue,” he said. “I think it’s important.” Evaluation results could come into play, Owsley said, in the event of a Reduction in Force. In some instances, he noted, seniority alone may not be the determining factor in deciding which employees would be terminated.
DISTRICT FOCUS
During a District Focus segment, Owsley signaled out the district’s three-member Technology Team for recognition, citing their work during the pandemic shutdown last year to facilitate the sudden switch to online learning. Additionally, he said, the team installed and programmed 80 new Prometheus boards, distributed 1,097 new electronic devices, developed WIFI hotspots for students with limited internet access, developed systems to live stream athletic events, created an online registration system, and assisted with installing and programming a new intercom system.
“It’s important to recognize this Department is just three people,” Owsley said. “Anytime I’ve gone to them with any kind of issue, their response is always the same: ‘Don’t worry about it, we’ll take care of it.’ I cannot express how fortunate we are to have these three individuals in our district.”
All three Technology Department employees—Mark Carpani, Steve Compton and Stephanie Bray—attended the meeting and were recognized by the board.
“I cannot thank you enough,” Owsley said. “I could not complete my job without your help.”
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The Wilsonville Progressive Club will celebrate and host a 90 year Anniversary Party on Saturday, May 11. The party will include a catered dinner, a live band, and fireworks.
Doors will open at 2 pm with a catered dinner being served at 4 pm. The Shane Kessinger Experience (live band) will play at 5 pm, and a grand fireworks display will be held at dusk.
The Progressive Club was originally established in 1934 by the Progressive Miners and was located on the northwest side of Wilsonville’s main street. The Club moved to their new building in January of 1949 and today this is still the current location at 212 Wilson Street in Wilsonville.
Wilsonville was founded in 1917 when Superior Coal Co. Mine No. 4 was sunk and this was the most modern mine in the Superior field. At that time, the little settlement which grew up around the mine was called Wilson. One day a worker paused and asked, “What are we going to name this town?” President Wilson was in office, thus the town was then and there named Wilson until 1919 when it was incorporated and the name expanded to Wilsonville.
The Wilsonville Progressive Club is operated and maintained by an elected panel of trustees and loyal members. The Club is open to the public and membership is always welcome. The large outdoor covered pavilion and manicured grassy side lot offer an attractive and convenient venue for any event along with inside facilities.
If you are interested in renting for any kind of event, call 217-835-3122 during open hours which are Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 4 pm to close, and Sunday doors open at 2 pm. Every Sunday afternoon at 4 pm is the Queen of Hearts drawing and the Club is on Facebook as well.
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SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Oak Street in reference to a dog bite.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street to pick up a found item.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Chestnut Street in reference to a burglary.
An officer was out in the 200 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to a motorist assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Schmidt Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 1st Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Broadway Street in reference to a medical call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to illegal burning.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Horizon Street in reference to a 911 call.
MONDAY, APRIL 15, 2024
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to a theft in the 100 block of South Main Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Osie Street in reference to a violation of an order of protection.
Nicholas O. Landolt, 36, of Gillespie was arrested on multiple warrants including one out of St. Clair County for possession for methamphetamine, a second one out of Montgomery County for failure to appear for driving while license was revoked, and a third out of Macoupin County for failure to appear for methamphetamine.
An officer was dispatched to East Walnut Street in reference to a suspicious noise.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Broadway Street in reference to a medical alarm.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a theft in the 200 block of West Oak Street.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to criminal damage to her property.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to identity theft.
An officer spoke with a female in the 100 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a neighbor dispute.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a violation of an order of protection.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Southern Street in reference to a suspicious person.
TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 1100 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Walnut Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property. Melissa J. Hughes, 49, of Benld was arrested on a Montgomery County warrant for theft/larceny.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Francis Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 700 block of Rose Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Pine Street to assist the Department of Children and Family Services.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Broadway Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17, 2024
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to fraud in the 200 block of South Macoupin.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to Route 4 and Staunton Road in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Gillespie Street in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer was dispatched to High Street and Gillespie Street in reference to a suspicious noise.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of High Street in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was flagged down at Elm Street and Clinton Street and spoke with an individual in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Mt. Olive Road in Eagarville in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a suspicious circumstance.
THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2024
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a panic alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 1300 block of South Second Street in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Osie Street in reference to a dog bite. Heather L. Kimberlin, 47, of Gillespie was issued a citation for dog at large.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Baker Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was out with a suspicious vehicle in the alley in the 500 block of Park Avenue.
An officer was dispatched to East Walnut and South Main Street in Benld in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the Veterans Memorial Park in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle that had been parked there for a couple of days.
Gillespie Police Department was requested for traffic control by the Gillespie Fire Department for a fire on Eagarville Road.
FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Walnut Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Street in Gillespie in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Litchfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a suspicious person at the storage units. Kathy J. Henderson, 49, of Sawyerville was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for bad checks
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Maple Street and Macoupin Street. Kenny L. Fults, 18, of Belleville was issued a citation for possession of cannabis.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Mt. Olive Road in Eagarville in reference to civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Burton Street in reference to an animal complaint.
SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespassing. Timothy J. Dalpozzo, 57, of Benld was arrested for criminal trespassing to residence and a Macoupin County warrant for criminal trespassing to a residence.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at South Street and Chestnut Street and charges are pending crime lab results.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to Macoupin Street and Elm Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Osie Street in reference to a dog at large.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Spruce Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Baker Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a medical call.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to an ordinance issue.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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LITCHFIELD, Ill. — HSHS St. Francis Hospital is offering service opportunities to area teens this summer through the 2024 Junior Volunteer Program. Applications are being accepted now through May 1.
Applicants must be high school students maintaining at least a “C” average, be a minimum of 14 years of age by June 1 and be willing to volunteer at least two hours per week during the summer program. Junior volunteers will perform a variety of duties in various hospital departments.
Registration materials are available on the hospital’s website volunteer page at https://www.hshs.org/st-francis/community/volunteer.
All participants in the program will be required to present proof of immunizations for MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella), and Varicella (chicken pox). An additional requirement includes attendance at a hospital orientation.
A limited number of positions will be available. For more information, contact HSHS St. Francis Hospital at 217-324-8200.
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