Controversy Surrounding District 205 Referendum Continues

Rockford, Illinois- The deadline to take the referendum off the fall ballot has passed. But Friday the county`s election supervisor announced the school board has until Tuesday to decide. "We have not gone to print yet and that`s what the big issue is, when we were going to print," says Election Supervisor Margie Mullins. "So we`re holding off so they can make their decision." Superintendent Dennis Thompson says the referendum isn`t needed because of a change in the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law or PTELL Law. District lawyers say simply extending the current tax rate no longer needs voter approval and the controversial interpretation has raised a lot of questions. "How do we keep faith with the voters, because we have this social contract with them, but legally it`s a non issue?" asks Thompson. And there are other questions about the referendum. Board Member Mike Williams thinks it could be legally challenged. Right now the referendum asks that the tax rate be maintained for five years. Williams says the change in the PTELL law limits it to four years. "It opens the door for a tax protest," says Williams. "It appears to be out of compliance with the amendment." Thompson disagrees. "Its irrelevant, absolutely irrelevant," says Thompson. But Thompson does admit there could be political fallout if voters are not asked to extend the tax levy. And there is pressure from prominent organizations to put the referendum on the ballot. "I think that as elected officials, the board is responsible to let the voter make the decision," says Tim Emert of the Winnebago County Taxpayers Advocates. But Thompson says it is a moot issue. "Would I feel differently if I was an elected official?" asks Thompson. "Probably yes." Monday, the board will meet to talk about the fate of this planned referendum.