LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Posted March 23, 2022

Dear Editor:

 Over 24 million dollars is earmarked by the Taylorville School Board to build a fine arts center and a sports complex for a community that is unable to attract good paying jobs and businesses to justify such wants. 

Several years ago the school district pursued a referendum to subsidize the educational monies that were being withheld by the state.  The referendum passed with no clause stating that should the state funds be released that the required tax incurred by the tax payer due to the referendum be rescinded.  Remove a tax that is no longer needed.  Imagine that!!

My last real estate tax bill shows that nearly 50 percent of what I pay goes to the school district.  To add to the burden of the taxpayer, the City of Taylorville continues to support development of government subsidized housing.  These properties bring little to the financial bottom line of the school district, the City of Taylorville and Christian County however the city, schools and county are still required to provide services. 

The taxpaying residents of the City of Taylorville should be allowed the opportunity to decide what their tax dollars are being used for.   At this time there is no justification in spending money just because one wants to. 

I ask that all members of the Taylorville School Board consider major expenses other than those that are considered a “need” to be placed on hold.  Those who read this letter and are reluctant to be vocal about what is going on within the school district, the City of Taylorville and Christian County……..  “Silence is Consent”.

Martin Vota

Taylorville, IL