Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, and there are several referendum questions Round Lake residents may see on their ballots.
One important point: your ballot may be different from your neighbor’s. Round Lake residents live within different taxing districts, so some questions depend on your address.
Here are three you should know about.
1. Village Clerk Referendum
This question will be on the ballot for Village of Round Lake voters.
The referendum asks whether the Village Clerk should be appointed rather than elected.
I support this change.
The Clerk is an important administrative and statutory position, not a policy-making position. I believe Round Lake is better served by having a qualified professional selected through the Village’s appointment process rather than electing the position every four years.
An appointed Clerk would still be accountable to the elected Mayor and Village Board, while allowing the Village to consider qualifications, experience and performance when selecting the person for the job.
This is about improving the structure of Village government, not about any particular individual.
I believe an appointed professional Clerk is the right structure for Round Lake, and I will be voting YES.
2. Fox Lake Fire Protection District Referendum
This question only applies to residents within the Fox Lake Fire Protection District.
The referendum would establish an additional 0.06% property tax rate for firefighter pension purposes.
One important fact: the district’s pension is currently fully funded and this referendum would help ensure it continues that way and does not become a financial strain on the taxpayers as pension liabilities continue to be problematic across the state.
The additional revenue would help the district maintain that position as it plans for future pension obligations, staffing needs and replacement of aging equipment.
The published estimate is approximately $20 per year on a $100,000 home.
If this question is on your ballot, I encourage you to review the information from the Fire Protection District and understand the financial impact before voting.
3. Lake County School Facilities Sales Tax
This question is countywide, so Round Lake voters will see it on their ballots.
It asks whether Lake County should impose a 1% sales tax on certain taxable purchases to support school facilities and other specified school-related needs.
Importantly, it does not apply to everything you buy. Certain groceries, medications, vehicles and other items are exempt.
The revenue would be distributed among Lake County school districts for purposes including facility improvements, certain debt obligations, school resource officers and mental health professionals.
There are arguments on both sides, and I encourage voters to look at the details and make their own decision.
Check Your Ballot
The most important thing to remember:
Your neighbor’s ballot may not be your ballot.
Your address determines which taxing districts serve you and which local referendum questions you will see.
Before Election Day, take a few minutes to look at your actual sample ballot.
Know what you’re voting on. Know what it means. Then make your voice heard.
My support for the Village Clerk referendum reflects my personal opinion as Round Lake Resident Brian Brubaker and does not necessarily represent the official position of the Village of Round Lake. The information regarding the other referendums is provided as a civic resource and is not an endorsement or opposition to those measures.
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