Here are the results for several tax questions on the ballot Tuesday around Greater Peoria.
Fondulac District Library
Voters in East Peoria rejected a ballot question that, if approved, would have adjusted the tax rate for the Fondulac District Library.
56.7% of voters said no to the question, which failed by 971 votes, with 100% of precincts reporting unofficial results.
Library administrators say the requested increase wouldn't have actually raised taxes. The referendum sought to increase the district’s limiting tax rate from a little over $.35 to just more than $.44. In August, library director Genna Buhr told WCBU that the district is set to pay off the library’s construction sooner than planned. With that happening, the requested increase would be the same as the bond issue portion scheduled to come off.
Buhr said if the referendum did not pass, it would put the library in a financial crunch, where it would not be in a position for any kind of growth. She said tough decisions would have to be made about what the library can offer.
Limestone Fire Protection District referenda
Voters rejected a pair of related ballot questions related to the Limestone Fire Protection District in Peoria County.
The first question — to levy a special tax — was rejected by 58% of voters. A related referendum — to increase the maximum allowable tax rate — was rejected by 75.8% of voters.
The referendum included two parts. The first concerned funding for emergency and rescue service, crews equipment and related public safety needs. The second was a proposition about the district’s corporate fund tax rate in relation to support for operations and public safety responsibilities.
