Why doesn’t the referendum question say anything about lakefront improvements?
The form and content of the ballot question are mandated by law and cannot describe the intended uses for the additional tax revenue requested. However, the Park District’s Board of Park Commissioners has earmarked this proposed revenue to finance the construction costs for the lakefront improvement project and future operating expenses. The Park District of Highland Park is a unit of local government subject to the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (commonly known as the Property Tax Cap Law). The District must receive voter approval in order for it to receive tax monies greater than those routinely allowed under the “Tax Cap.” The question asks for approval to raise the tax rate governed by the Tax Cap (which does not include taxes for payment of bond principal and interest, and taxes for special recreation programs for the disabled) by .20¢ from an estimated rate of 29.9¢ to 49.8¢ per each $100 of equalized assessed value of taxable property. The Park District’s current total ta
