Lemont-Bromberek Combined School District 113A officials could seek a tax hike as soon as February to help dig the district out of its financial hole.
Board members will have to vote whether to seek the referendum measure to help shore up the district’s $2 million shortfall by the end of this month in order to have it on the February ballot.
Officials said in order to stave off possible cuts, the district has to increase revenues.
“We are not afforded the luxury of choice,” said School Board president John Wood at the Nov. 12 meeting. “We’re in the position we’re in. We had an idea it was going to be around this period of time that to continue to provide the services we have we’re going to have to increase revenues. We don’t have an option anymore.”
“We either make cuts or increase revenues which isn’t going to happen outside of a referendum,” added Board member Lisa Wright.
District 113A recently approved the 2009-10 budget, along with a deficit reduction plan option, to shore up the district’s shortfall. The deficit reduction plan includes reducing spending by $500,000 for the 2009-10 school year, another $500,000 in 2010-11, and $1.5 million for 2011-12, to balance the budget the following year.
While Wood said the District 113A has tightened its belt, it is not enough to solve the problem.
Board members have been meeting once a week to analyze the district’s financial situation.
Board members discuss a possible referendum at this week’s meeting, which will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18, at Old Quarry Middle School 16100 W. 127 St.
