The Kishwaukee College Board of Trustees voted to certify the College’s 2022 tax levy at its November meeting at a level that will continue a ten-year trend of lower Kishwaukee College real estate tax rates for residents and businesses within the Kishwaukee College district, which encompasses parts of DeKalb, Ogle, Lee, Boone, Kane, Winnebago and La Salle counties. Kish’s share of a typical district real estate tax bill is approximately 7%, depending on the tax rates of other local taxing bodies.
“As stewards of Kishwaukee College, the Board and College leadership will always look to make responsible financial decisions to benefit our students and our constituents,” said Bob Johnson, Board Chair. “This year’s tax levy is another example of the strong health of our institution.”
Several factors benefitted this year’s levy decision, including higher student enrollment, federal Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) dollars, which assisted the College in keeping costs affordable for students through a challenging period dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, and a growing district equalized assessed valuation (EAV) as a result of increased construction, particularly on the south side of DeKalb. For the first time in 11 years, Kishwaukee College saw an increase in enrollment for the Fall 2022 semester.
The Kish Board continues to seek opportunities to improve the financial health of the College while benefitting both students and taxpayers. The College has not increased tuition rates in three years and helped save taxpayers approximately $14 million in bond refinancing in 2020.
For more information on Kishwaukee College, visit www.kish.edu.