JWCC Trustees Approve flat tax rate

The John Wood Community College Board of Trustees voted to approve a flat rate, keeping the 2021 tax rate the same as 2020 during its regular meeting Wednesday, December 15. 

The total tax rate for 2021 will remain the same as 2020 at $0.42400 per $100 Equalized Assessed Valuation (EAV) and result in a $8,210,760 levy.  Due to increases in property values, the 2021 levy is estimated to generate $345,560 more than in 2020.   An owner of a home in JWCC’s District valued at $100,000 in 2021 should expect to pay the same as last year, which is approximately $115.89.  Funds from the 2021 levy will be distributed to the college in the 2022-23 fiscal year. 

“Our objective is always is to be good stewards and fiscally responsible of the District’s tax dollars by using a conservative fiscal approach with investments in strategic initiatives,” JWCC President Michael Elbe said. “We continue to hold true to our board’s commitment to remain a progressive and forward-thinking institution as it benefits our workforce, students’ success and the quality of life in the communities we serve.”

The Board approved a $111,895 bid from Virage Simulation, Inc. for a CDL Truck Driving simulator.  JWCC leveraged federal stimulus funding to support this important purchase to support the Workforce Development Center’s expansion and much needed programs to train the area’s transportation workforce.  New federal regulations changes are occurring in early February 2022. The most significant change is in the way drivers are trained for the new Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) rule that will be implemented. This rule sets requirements for the training of new drivers coming into the industry at a federal level instead of leaving it up to each state.

“We are proud to say the College’s faculty and staff have worked hard to ensure our Truck Driving Training Program is approved as a registered training provider,” said Elbe. “This investment aligns with the College’s commitment to provide in-demand programs and state-of-the-art training for this region to support the workforce needs of the Tri-State area.”  The new regulation requires all entry-level operators of commercial motor vehicles in interstate and intrastate commerce who are applying for a commercial driver’s license (CDL) must first satisfactorily complete minimum training requirements before taking their state-administered CDL examination. 

In other business, the board: 

• Approved the Resolution and Certificate relating levying additional taxes as allowed by the Illinois Community College Board.
• Approved the Resolution to levy taxes and Certificate of the tax levy.
• Authorized a $4,028 payment for the second half of the Illinois Community College Trustee Association dues for 2021.
• Approved the renewal of the agreement between John Wood Community College and Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing and Health Sciences to provide the associate in applied science (AAS) degree in surgical technology (SUR).
• Approved the Resolution providing for the issue of $5,045,000 General Obligation Bonds, Series 2021A, and $825,000 General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 2021B, for the purpose of paying claims against the District and refunding certain outstanding bonds of the District, providing for the levy of a direct annual tax sufficient to pay the principal and interest on said bonds, and authorizing the sale of said bonds to Mercantile Bank.
• Approved the Resolution authorizing and providing for the issuance of $835,000 General Obligation Refunding Bonds (Alternate Revenue Source), Series 2021C, for the purpose of refunding certain outstanding bonds of the District, providing for the pledge of certain revenues to the payment of principal and interest on said bonds and for the levy and collection of a direct annual tax sufficient to pay the principal and interest on said bonds, and authorizing the sale of said bonds to Mercantile Bank.