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Post by casey on Jun 2, 2010 10:03:44 GMT -6
Dist. 204 prez pushing ahead with plan to withhold state tax paymentsdailyherald.com/story/?id=385100By Justin Kmitch | Daily Herald StaffContact writer Curt Bradshaw Indian Prairie school board President Curt Bradshaw appears to be pushing forward with his plan to withhold monthly payroll tax payments to the state department of revenue -- even though district officials already have paid their attorneys $1,520 to tell them it's illegal.And support from some of his fellow Unit District 204 board members also appears to have fallen by the wayside. In an e-mail sent Friday to board members, Bradshaw presented a draft ordinance he prepared for the Illinois Association of School Boards to include as part of its legislative initiative. "The state has consistently delayed payments to school districts as a means of financing its budget shortfalls (as of May 2010, the state is behind $1.4 billion in payments to school districts). This practice negatively impacts the financial operation of school districts. In addition, many school districts are forced to incur substantial borrowing costs to make up the funding shortfall," he wrote in the resolution. "Currently, school districts are forwarding millions in income tax payments to the same entity that is behind $1.4 billion in payments to school districts. Allowing school districts to setoff income tax payments due the state against amounts owed by the state to school districts will provide school districts critical funding and lessen the impact of past-due payments on district operations." He then solicited comments from board members. "I would like to put this on the consent agenda for June 7 and work out any kinks beforehand so we don't need to use meeting time discussing it," he wrote. "Are you supportive of this as is, or are there any changes you believe are necessary?" Early replies from his peers were less than supportive. "I'd like to see a few things thought about first. I'm not saying one way or the other until we discuss it further," Cathy Piehl said. "I want to understand what objections there could be to us going forward with this and I want to make sure we don't look silly in the process." Dawn DeSart has opposed the initiative since it was first discussed. She said she thought the proposal originally was said in jest and she's not about to let up now that she knows Bradshaw is serious. "To me it's a waste of time and money (in legal fees for our taxpayers). The resolution will never happen, nor should it. It's not our money. It's our employees' earnings being withheld for tax purposes," she said. "In fact, our employees are entitled to receive any overpayments back in the form of a tax refund." Christine Vickers called the resolution "ridiculous" and "unconscionable.""I am unwilling to take a personal or professional risk for this particular challenge nor do I believe it is within our legal authority to pursue this type of action against other governmental agencies albeit local, state or federal," Vickers said Tuesday. "This is an unfounded battle destined to be lost." For more board reaction check back at dailyherald.com or read Thursday's Daily Herald.
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Post by doctorwho on Jun 2, 2010 11:44:40 GMT -6
Dist. 204 prez pushing ahead with plan to withhold state tax paymentsdailyherald.com/story/?id=385100By Justin Kmitch | Daily Herald StaffContact writer Curt Bradshaw Indian Prairie school board President Curt Bradshaw appears to be pushing forward with his plan to withhold monthly payroll tax payments to the state department of revenue -- even though district officials already have paid their attorneys $1,520 to tell them it's illegal.And support from some of his fellow Unit District 204 board members also appears to have fallen by the wayside. In an e-mail sent Friday to board members, Bradshaw presented a draft ordinance he prepared for the Illinois Association of School Boards to include as part of its legislative initiative. "The state has consistently delayed payments to school districts as a means of financing its budget shortfalls (as of May 2010, the state is behind $1.4 billion in payments to school districts). This practice negatively impacts the financial operation of school districts. In addition, many school districts are forced to incur substantial borrowing costs to make up the funding shortfall," he wrote in the resolution. "Currently, school districts are forwarding millions in income tax payments to the same entity that is behind $1.4 billion in payments to school districts. Allowing school districts to setoff income tax payments due the state against amounts owed by the state to school districts will provide school districts critical funding and lessen the impact of past-due payments on district operations." He then solicited comments from board members. "I would like to put this on the consent agenda for June 7 and work out any kinks beforehand so we don't need to use meeting time discussing it," he wrote. "Are you supportive of this as is, or are there any changes you believe are necessary?" Early replies from his peers were less than supportive. "I'd like to see a few things thought about first. I'm not saying one way or the other until we discuss it further," Cathy Piehl said. "I want to understand what objections there could be to us going forward with this and I want to make sure we don't look silly in the process." Dawn DeSart has opposed the initiative since it was first discussed. She said she thought the proposal originally was said in jest and she's not about to let up now that she knows Bradshaw is serious. "To me it's a waste of time and money (in legal fees for our taxpayers). The resolution will never happen, nor should it. It's not our money. It's our employees' earnings being withheld for tax purposes," she said. "In fact, our employees are entitled to receive any overpayments back in the form of a tax refund." Christine Vickers called the resolution "ridiculous" and "unconscionable.""I am unwilling to take a personal or professional risk for this particular challenge nor do I believe it is within our legal authority to pursue this type of action against other governmental agencies albeit local, state or federal," Vickers said Tuesday. "This is an unfounded battle destined to be lost." For more board reaction check back at dailyherald.com or read Thursday's Daily Herald. I hope he can explain what the hell is there to accomplish by this- except to further make this district a laughing stock behaviorally ? --or does he just want to follow in outrageous behavior patterns that seem to define IPSD 204 SB presidents ? I didn't know it was a contest of 'can you top this'? |
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Post by Arch on Jun 2, 2010 15:46:56 GMT -6
I believe the IASB tie in is the key... do we have any other board members associated with that organization? Make sure to thank them for using our district's money, time and resources to pursue their ridiculous agenda... and leave the employees holding the bag for interest and penalties for failing to make timely tax payments.
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Post by doctorwho on Jun 2, 2010 16:47:54 GMT -6
I believe the IASB tie in is the key... do we have any other board members associated with that organization? Make sure to thank them for using our district's money, time and resources to pursue their ridiculous agenda... and leave the employees holding the bag for interest and penalties for failing to make timely tax payments.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEERobert Friend, Chair Glenbard THSD 87 Rosemary Swanson, (Interim) Director Wheaton Warrenville CUSD 200 Carola Majewski, (Interim) Resolutions/Legislative Chair Keeneyville SD 20 Dave Barclay, Director at Large West Chicago SD 33 Bill Schmidt, Director at Large Marquardt SD 15 Marty Tasch, Director at Large Lake Park THSD 108 Alka Tyle, Director at Large
Indian Prairie CUSD 204Sandra Martin, IASA Representative Superintendent, Butler SD 53 Mark C. Metzger, President, IASB
Indian Prairie CUSD 204Marie Slater, Immediate Past President, IASB Wheaton Warrenville CUSD 200 John Cassel, Director of Field Services Illinois Association of School Boards |
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Post by casey on Jun 8, 2010 7:34:53 GMT -6
Dist. 204 sends plan to keep taxes to state boardBy Justin Kmitch | Daily Herald StaffContact writerPublished: www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=386443Board members Monday night, by a 3-2 vote, asked the association to add President Curt Bradshaw's plan to withhold monthly payroll tax payments to the state department of revenue to its annual legislative agenda. Indian Prairie is currently owed $14.4 million in back payments from the state. Bradshaw called the resolution a collaborative solution rather than a hostile solution and reiterated his belief that the district has a responsibility to find a solution rather than be a victim. "Currently, school districts are forwarding millions in income tax payments to the same entity that is behind $1.4 billion in payments to school districts," Bradshaw wrote in his draft resolution. "Allowing school districts to set off income tax payments due the state against amounts owed by the state to school districts will provide school districts critical funding and lessen the impact of past-due payments on district operations." Several board members initially thought Bradshaw was joking when he first brought the plan forward last month. By Monday night's vote, some, including Cathy Piehl, came around to his way of thinking, while others, like Dawn DeSart and Christine Vickers were pushed further away. "As you got more serious (about the resolution), I got concerned that it was trying to circumvent the whole budgetary process of the legislature," Piehl said. "But I've come to realize that by setting something like this up, it actually puts a checks and balances in place with our government." Former IASB president and current Indian Prairie board member Mark Metzger said the action gives the association lobbyists a "theme to go back to." "In addition to creating an interesting and clever solution to the financial problem the school district's face, it gives our lobbyists a very effective way to keep a message in front of the General Assembly as they work on the rest of the bills," Metzger said. "Even if this weren't the best idea in the world, the fact that it gives an ongoing conversation is itself a valuable tool." DeSart, however, said she couldn't be more opposed to moving forward with the resolution. "I believe this setoff resolution is shortsighted and ill-conceived. It's a slippery slope that if completely thought out, I believe most would come to that same conclusion," DeSart said before pondering where the state would get money if every district did withhold the taxes. "This is not our money. It's the money our employees owe the state of Illinois in the form of taxes." Vickers voted against moving forward as well, saying she is afraid of "opening the can of worms." "It's not just about school districts. This is about all the other agencies that are benefactors of state monies, and if one segment of the benefactors decide they want to make an action against the legislation, everyone else could follow the same avenue," Vickers said. "To me that perpetuates an already very poor situation that we have in the state." IASB Associate Executive Director Ben Schwarm said last week that once a final draft is submitted, the proposed resolution will be researched and eventually brought before the body's resolution committee. If the committee approves the resolution, it will go before a vote of more than 900 statewide school districts at the association's annual November conference. That chance alone was enough for Susan Rasmus to support it."If there's this much of a chance, why aren't we trying it?" Rasmus said. "What's the cost to us?" Plan: Supporters say resolution at least sparks discussion --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Connect the dots, people. You should all be able to see who's pulling the strings here. Our district is becoming a laughingstock. Pathetic.
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Post by Arch on Jun 8, 2010 9:28:09 GMT -6
They forget that those employee income taxes paid fund more than just district 204; they are used for funding the entire state and in more areas than just education. There is not a dollar per dollar matchup to 204's dollars. That is another reason why this 'solution' is a short-sighted waste of time.
Stop using the school board as a political platform.
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Post by southsidesignmaker on Jun 8, 2010 10:10:48 GMT -6
As most know I have in the past given much latitude to our school board. Unfortunately in this case I struggle to see any benefits with withholding 204 employees payroll taxes. The simple truth is the district has no right in going down this path. This is just not the right way to handle the fact that the state cannot pay it's bills.
This idea of not paying employee payroll taxes in light of the recent contract signing just does not add up. I would suggest that the board research on "their own time" the repercussions of this FOOL HEARTED expedition. $ave all district taxpayers money and do an about face regarding this issue.... NOW!!!!
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Post by doctorwho on Jun 8, 2010 11:13:15 GMT -6
As most know I have in the past given much latitude to our school board. Unfortunately in this case I struggle to see any benefits with withholding 204 employees payroll taxes. The simple truth is the district has no right in going down this path. This is just not the right way to handle the fact that the state cannot pay it's bills. This idea of not paying employee payroll taxes in light of the recent contract signing just does not add up. I would suggest that the board research on "their own time" the repercussions of this FOOL HEARTED expedition. $ave all district taxpayers money and do an about face regarding this issue.... NOW!!!! If only the 'leaders' would actually listen to someone like yourself- or heaven forbid me or some others... fwiw I agree with you wholeheartedly -- but costing us wasted monies or humiliation is unfortunately not new news |
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Post by doctorwho on Jun 8, 2010 11:17:32 GMT -6
Dist. 204 sends plan to keep taxes to state boardBy Justin Kmitch | Daily Herald StaffContact writerPublished: www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=386443Board members Monday night, by a 3-2 vote, asked the association to add President Curt Bradshaw's plan to withhold monthly payroll tax payments to the state department of revenue to its annual legislative agenda. Indian Prairie is currently owed $14.4 million in back payments from the state. Bradshaw called the resolution a collaborative solution rather than a hostile solution and reiterated his belief that the district has a responsibility to find a solution rather than be a victim. "Currently, school districts are forwarding millions in income tax payments to the same entity that is behind $1.4 billion in payments to school districts," Bradshaw wrote in his draft resolution. "Allowing school districts to set off income tax payments due the state against amounts owed by the state to school districts will provide school districts critical funding and lessen the impact of past-due payments on district operations." Several board members initially thought Bradshaw was joking when he first brought the plan forward last month. By Monday night's vote, some, including Cathy Piehl, came around to his way of thinking, while others, like Dawn DeSart and Christine Vickers were pushed further away. "As you got more serious (about the resolution), I got concerned that it was trying to circumvent the whole budgetary process of the legislature," Piehl said. "But I've come to realize that by setting something like this up, it actually puts a checks and balances in place with our government." Former IASB president and current Indian Prairie board member Mark Metzger said the action gives the association lobbyists a "theme to go back to." "In addition to creating an interesting and clever solution to the financial problem the school district's face, it gives our lobbyists a very effective way to keep a message in front of the General Assembly as they work on the rest of the bills," Metzger said. "Even if this weren't the best idea in the world, the fact that it gives an ongoing conversation is itself a valuable tool." DeSart, however, said she couldn't be more opposed to moving forward with the resolution. "I believe this setoff resolution is shortsighted and ill-conceived. It's a slippery slope that if completely thought out, I believe most would come to that same conclusion," DeSart said before pondering where the state would get money if every district did withhold the taxes. "This is not our money. It's the money our employees owe the state of Illinois in the form of taxes." Vickers voted against moving forward as well, saying she is afraid of "opening the can of worms." "It's not just about school districts. This is about all the other agencies that are benefactors of state monies, and if one segment of the benefactors decide they want to make an action against the legislation, everyone else could follow the same avenue," Vickers said. "To me that perpetuates an already very poor situation that we have in the state." IASB Associate Executive Director Ben Schwarm said last week that once a final draft is submitted, the proposed resolution will be researched and eventually brought before the body's resolution committee. If the committee approves the resolution, it will go before a vote of more than 900 statewide school districts at the association's annual November conference. That chance alone was enough for Susan Rasmus to support it."If there's this much of a chance, why aren't we trying it?" Rasmus said. "What's the cost to us?" Plan: Supporters say resolution at least sparks discussion --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Connect the dots, people. You should all be able to see who's pulling the strings here. Our district is becoming a laughingstock. Pathetic. " By Monday night's vote, some, including Cathy Piehl, came around to his way of thinking, " "That chance alone was enough for Susan Rasmus to support it." wow just stunning on both rubber stamps isn't it--  the next oriiginal thought will be a first-- next April people have a chance to fix this- but will they- doubtful.. Pathetic, very glad my time here draws closer to anend and especially glad they don't represent me any deeper than as a voter. congrats to the people who put the puppets in- why not just vote for Mark or Curt 3 times each.. Kudo's to Dawn for having common sense on this one- and once again Christine a voice of reason...drowned out by circus music in this arena- " |
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Post by doctorwho on Jun 8, 2010 11:21:59 GMT -6
Dist. 204 sends plan to keep taxes to state boardBy Justin Kmitch | Daily Herald StaffContact writerPublished: www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=386443Board members Monday night, by a 3-2 vote, asked the association to add President Curt Bradshaw's plan to withhold monthly payroll tax payments to the state department of revenue to its annual legislative agenda. Indian Prairie is currently owed $14.4 million in back payments from the state. Bradshaw called the resolution a collaborative solution rather than a hostile solution and reiterated his belief that the district has a responsibility to find a solution rather than be a victim. "Currently, school districts are forwarding millions in income tax payments to the same entity that is behind $1.4 billion in payments to school districts," Bradshaw wrote in his draft resolution. "Allowing school districts to set off income tax payments due the state against amounts owed by the state to school districts will provide school districts critical funding and lessen the impact of past-due payments on district operations." Several board members initially thought Bradshaw was joking when he first brought the plan forward last month. By Monday night's vote, some, including Cathy Piehl, came around to his way of thinking, while others, like Dawn DeSart and Christine Vickers were pushed further away. "As you got more serious (about the resolution), I got concerned that it was trying to circumvent the whole budgetary process of the legislature," Piehl said. "But I've come to realize that by setting something like this up, it actually puts a checks and balances in place with our government." Former IASB president and current Indian Prairie board member Mark Metzger said the action gives the association lobbyists a "theme to go back to." "In addition to creating an interesting and clever solution to the financial problem the school district's face, it gives our lobbyists a very effective way to keep a message in front of the General Assembly as they work on the rest of the bills," Metzger said. "Even if this weren't the best idea in the world, the fact that it gives an ongoing conversation is itself a valuable tool." DeSart, however, said she couldn't be more opposed to moving forward with the resolution. "I believe this setoff resolution is shortsighted and ill-conceived. It's a slippery slope that if completely thought out, I believe most would come to that same conclusion," DeSart said before pondering where the state would get money if every district did withhold the taxes. "This is not our money. It's the money our employees owe the state of Illinois in the form of taxes." Vickers voted against moving forward as well, saying she is afraid of "opening the can of worms." "It's not just about school districts. This is about all the other agencies that are benefactors of state monies, and if one segment of the benefactors decide they want to make an action against the legislation, everyone else could follow the same avenue," Vickers said. "To me that perpetuates an already very poor situation that we have in the state." IASB Associate Executive Director Ben Schwarm said last week that once a final draft is submitted, the proposed resolution will be researched and eventually brought before the body's resolution committee. If the committee approves the resolution, it will go before a vote of more than 900 statewide school districts at the association's annual November conference. That chance alone was enough for Susan Rasmus to support it."If there's this much of a chance, why aren't we trying it?" Rasmus said. "What's the cost to us?" Plan: Supporters say resolution at least sparks discussion --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Connect the dots, people. You should all be able to see who's pulling the strings here. Our district is becoming a laughingstock. Pathetic. Exactly Dawn and Chris-- maybe a taxpayer revolt here in 204 should happen and we should withhold our portion of property taxes that support a laughing stock school district leadership team - that continues to piss money away like there at a craps table in Vegas, making decisions I view as unbelievably wreckless financially. maybe that would get Springfield to think also? Clever ?..OMG -- you've got to be kidding me.. where have I heard this before- oh yeah..nincompoops |
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Post by macrockett on Jun 8, 2010 14:49:35 GMT -6
The last two times (separate incidents) there were "collaborative" efforts between D204 and Springfield a Board member first pissed off a well connected lobbyist and later, a State Senator.
When you try to take power away from Springfield, or make them look like fools, they tend not to forget.
As for the teachers union, why would you ever go along with this? When teachers are given a paycheck, that creates a duty to the State, in the form of remitting withholding taxes. Even if the legislature goes along with this, which I doubt, how and when will you verify that your withheld taxes have been properly accounted for as far as the State is concerned?
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Post by EagleDad on Jun 8, 2010 15:44:45 GMT -6
Is it possible that all of this effort and attention to direct the attention and introspection elsewhere is really just an attempt to divert analysis of the poor planning and budgeting that has been done a lot closer to home?
News flash D204 - you knew when you built the 3rd school you would need another $4-5 million dollars per year in operating funds to run it which have yet to be secured (or according to the super, even discussed) within 2 years.
Tick, tock...
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Post by doctorwho on Jun 8, 2010 16:32:04 GMT -6
The last two times (separate incidents) there were "collaborative" efforts between D204 and Springfield a Board member first pissed off a well connected lobbyist and later, a State Senator. When you try to take power away from Springfield, or make them look like fools, they tend not to forget. As for the teachers union, why would you ever go along with this? When teachers are given a paycheck, that creates a duty to the State, in the form of remitting withholding taxes. Even if the legislature goes along with this, which I doubt, how and when will you verify that your withheld taxes have been properly accounted for as far as the State is concerned? I wish someone in Springfield would get pissed off enough to do a complete investigation of the funds spending and accounting in 204...maybe we could get a few people accomodations near the former governor. |
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Post by asmodeus on Jun 8, 2010 18:20:31 GMT -6
The cost is our credibility.
This thing needs to be stopped right now. It's embarrassing.
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Post by insider on Jun 8, 2010 21:26:52 GMT -6
"Clever ?..OMG -- you've got to be kidding me.. where have I heard this before- oh yeah..nincompoops"
Betcha dollars to donuts who the "clever" one really is behind this idea. Maybe Mr. IASB aka name calling nincompoop politician himself? Anyone else think he would go so far as to call himself "clever" if he could get away with it under some other guise? Betcha he would.
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