School board to vote on sales tax referendum

STERLING - The county's largest school district is set to weigh in on an April sales tax vote. Its decision is likely to be moot, though. The Sterling School Board will vote Tuesday whether to again ask voters to consider 1-cent sales tax hike to help pay for school infrastructure projects. An identical measure was defeated in November. Rock Falls 13, Montmorency, Riverdale, East Coloma, Morrison, Prophetstown-Lyndon-Tampico, Erie and River Bend school boards all have agreed to ask for another referendum. Those boards represent 57 percent of the county's student population, and representation of only 51 percent is required. Rock Falls High School voted last month not to support a referendum, citing the poor economic climate. If it passes, revenue from the tax can be used only for infrastructure projects such as security systems, air-conditioning projects, roof repairs or building additions. It would not be levied on groceries, medicine, cars, boats, farm equipment or anything else that requires a title. In November, the sales tax hike failed narrowly - 14,670 votes to 10,836 votes. Some officials blame its failure on insufficient time to properly educate voters on its potential benefits, a situation they hope to rectify this time around. A 1-cent tax hike would raise $4.2 million in Whiteside County, which would be split among the 10 school districts based on their student population. Sterling schools could reap $1.47 million, which could help pay for geothermal systems at Sterling High and Challand Middle schools. "I feel given the situation of the Illinois state government, the only way schools will have funds for physical improvements on buildings will be from the local level," said board member Frank Rausa, who plans to vote 'yes' Tuesday. "I don't see any money coming from the state." Board member Jay Van Horn said he's inclined to vote nay Tuesday, even though he would vote for it if a tax hike makes the ballot. Van Horn cites the struggling economy. "People aren't spending money. I think it will be a wider gap than it was last time." To attend The Sterling School Board will meet at 5:15 p.m. Tuesday in the Sterling High School library, 1608 Fourth Ave.