Kendall County Times

Voters rejected an operating tax increase for Oswego CUSD 308 on Tuesday night.

The district covers parts of Kendall, Will and Kane counties. 

With all 48 Kendall County precincts reporting, 3,467 votes (46.07) were cast in favor of the referendum and 4,058 (53.93) were against it. Will County reported 618 “yes” votes (63.65 percent) and 353 “no” votes (36.35 percent) with six of six precincts reporting. In Kane County, the tally was 24 votes against the measure and 23 votes for it with all two precincts reporting.

If the measure had been approved, the district had said owners of homes valued at $200,000 would have had to pay an estimated $182 more in property taxes each year.

The additional tax revenue was earmarked for the district's general fund to help pay for day-to-day expenses including staff costs, building operations, classroom supplies and materials, and transportation costs. 

Without the additional funds, CUSD 308 Superintendent John Sparlin said residents can expect to pay more for full-day kindergarten; high school athletic budgets will be cut by 10 percent; junior high athletic programs will become intramural programs; the current special education coordinator roles will be reduced; positions for non-grant funded teachers on special assignment will be eliminated; and teacher assistants and employees on 12-month schedules will work fewer hours.