OREGON, Ill. (WIFR) – A full audience returned blank faces to the Oregon Community Unit School District (CUSD) 220 when asked for public comment on a decrease in property taxes.
“Awkward silence,” hailed Dr. Bryan Wills, Oregon CUSD 220 school board president.
PJ Caposey, The district’s superintendent, sits near Dr. Wills at Monday’s board meeting. He presents one of the night’s main topics: decreasing property taxes. Despite the planned dip, he asserts residents should expect higher bills.
“It’s complicated,” contends Caposey. “One of our biggest jobs as a school is to be a good fiscal steward – to use the community resources in the best possible way to serve kids.”
Why pay more when taxed less? The superintendent points to a rise in home values and inflation.
Since 2023, the “equalized assessed value” for the Oregon-area is projected to grow by 9% or nearly $30 million – reaching $282,247,739. With property values rising, Oregon’s tax decrease may not outrun homes’ rising worth.
Still, school board members voted unanimously for the change – dropping the rate from 5.51% to 5.49%. What members can’t change is the economy.
“You have to look at how much inflation has pushed the cost of goods and services up, and what we need to run as a school district,” explains Dr. Wills. The board president mentions another factor specific to the community, “Most people usually aren’t going to sell their home here. They’re lifelong Oregon residents.”
For Dr. Wills, rising costs offer frustration “when you’re paying more and more in taxes every year.”
For the 2025 fiscal year, Oregon CUSD 220 runs a deficit. The superintendent reports a decrease in the Corporate Personal Property Replacement Tax will lose the district $500,000; repayments to the Internal Revenue Service (due to COVID-era funding misuse) cost another $240,000.
“We want to continue to add programs and do things for kids,” argues Caposey as he balances priorities. “We also have our costs that are constantly increasing as well.”
Yet, Caposey sees a silver lining. Despite the tax decrease, he expects around $1 million more in revenue next year.
“Part of our vision in the future is to be such a dynamic and transformational district that it does cost some money to live here,” declares the superintendent. “Because we were providing such a great product.”
Oregon’s tax rate declined since 2020 – where it hit about 5.7%.
Monday’s board meeting also revealed the district reached a “commendable” according to the latest Every Student Succeeds Act report. District leaders aim for an “exemplary” honor in coming years.
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