Politics & Government

Village to Ask Voters Whether They Support Brainerd Building Bonds

The referendum question will be on the March 18, 2014 ballot.

Libertyville trustees agreed Tuesday night to take to voters a referendum question that could result in the issuance of $11.5 million in bonds—and a 21.84 percent increase in the village's tax rate—to renovate the Brainerd building.
 
Should the referendum be approved March 18, 2014, the village board would have the option to issue the bonds, which would be paid over a 10-year period. A portion of the bond proceeds would pay the $250,000 initial lease payment owed to Community High School District 128, along with the first two lease payments of $50,000 apiece, according to village board meeting documents. 

The referendum would cost the owner of a home valued at $300,000 an additional $141.98 per year in property taxes. 

Trustees discussed the referendum at length at Tuesday's meeting.
 
Trustee Donna Johnson questioned the $11.5 million and whether that number is realistic "and not something that we later find was off the mark."

Mayor Terry Weppler said the Brainerd committee, along with others, spent a lot of time investigating the numbers. All agreed that the numbers are accurate, Weppler said.

"I believe that, yes, they are about as good a number as we're going to obtain," said Weppler.

Trustee Drew Cullum, however, said the overall number has changed many times, starting at about $3 million at one point, then $6 million and now $11.5 million. He added that the board has yet to be presented with a detailed, documented business plan. 

He voted against putting the referendum on the ballot. Cullum said he is "extremely disappointed with the lack of detail" and noted that "this ordinance tonight is not in any way an endorsement from the village board."

Trustees agreed that they need to hear from residents.

"Whether you're for or against it, we need to hear from residents," said Trustee Todd Gaines. 

Informational town hall meetings will be held Feb. 2, Feb. 12 and March 4, 2014.

What do you think should be done? Do you plan to vote in favor of—or against—the bond issue? Share your thoughts in the comment section.


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