Thank You Scott County Voters!
On behalf of the Board of Education, Administration, Staff and Students of Winchester CUSD #1, I would like to thank the voters for approving the School Facility Sales Tax.
In this time of waning State funding for public schools, this sales tax will help alleviate the burden of maintaining our school buildings from the property owners in our District.
We are fortunate to live in a community that recognizes the importance of the educational process for our children.
David C. Roberts
Superintendent of Winchester CUSD #1
COUNTY SCHOOL FACILITY SALES TAX FACTS
• Scott County voters will decide on April 7th if a 1¢ sales tax for ‘school facilities’ will be imposed on sales of qualifying retail purchases.
• This tax would NOT be imposed on groceries, medications, vehicles, farm equipment / parts / seed / feed / fertilizer / inputs.
• If approved, the new tax rate would take effect July 1st, and Scott County school districts should start receiving the monthly revenue within four months.
• The one-cent is sent to Illinois Department of Revenue, which will then distribute the collected 1¢ to Regional Superintendent of Schools who then would distribute monthly to Winchester CUSD #1 and Bluffs CUSD #2, based upon student enrollment.
• This tax can only be used on “school facilities”….commonly called the ‘Operations and Maintenance – O & M’ fund which is currently funded by a local property tax levy rate of 3.75%. Winchester CUSD #1 received $161,039 from this levy in 2012 (from the June 2014 audit report).
• The June 2014 audit shows Winchester CUSD #1 spent $278,612 in O & M for fiscal year 2014; $106,539 was for expenses that could be covered by the sales tax monies. The $172,073 spent for custodial and maintenance salaries and benefits would not be eligible for payment with the sales tax monies, and would continue to be funded by local property taxes.
• It is estimated Winchester CUSD #1 could receive approximately $130,000 each year, while Bluffs CUSD #2 could receive $70,000 annually.
• Sales tax monies can be used for building improvements, fire prevention, safety, security and repairs.
• Specifically, Winchester CUSD #1 would use the initial monies to upgrade the electrical system at Winchester Elementary School and the heating systems in both schools. Other needs include upgrades and repairs to the handicapped accessibility equipment (chairlift and elevator), classroom and entrance doors, restroom improvements, additional energy saving measures and playground/parking improvements.
