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Chicago Tribune: Chicago Public Schools chief apologizes for role in inspector general ethics probe
Chicago Public Schools CEO Forrest Claypool apologized Friday for conduct related to an ongoing inspector general ethics probe, in an unusual letter to the school district watchdog.
Claypool’s words publicly acknowledged his role in an investigation that has centered on a $250,000 contract awarded to a law firm that once employed CPS general counsel Ronald Marmer. The attorney is among several of Claypool’s former colleagues and past political donors who have won district jobs and consulting contracts.
Chicago Tribune: Any CTA fare hike could hurt ridership, advocates say
It looks likely that the CTA will include a fare hike in its proposed budget next week to make up for a loss in state funding.
It’s unknown what an increase might look like — if it would be for all types of rides, or rail only, or for regular fares but not passes. But any rate hike carries the risk of driving down already sinking ridership, transit experts and advocates say.
Chicago Tribune: Cook County commissioners get behind Preckwinkle's budget cuts
majority of commissioners have put their names on Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle’s plan to plug a $200 million hole in next year’s budget, in part by laying off hundreds of employees working for Sheriff Tom Dart and Chief Circuit Judge Timothy Evans.
Preckwinkle on Friday unveiled her revised budget-cutting proposal, which listed 15 of the board’s 17 commissioners as co-sponsors in advance of Tuesday’s vote on her 2018 spending plan for next year. The fresh round of cuts became needed after the board repealed the county’s controversial soda pop tax, losing the money that would have brought in next year.
Chicago Tribune: Des Plaines schools chief who quit over sex harassment complaints 'devastated by allegations'
The school superintendent who resigned this week after complaints about his conduct says he “did not engage in sexual harassment against anyone associated with” the district.
Floyd Williams, who agreed this week to give up the reins of Des Plaines District 62 after multiple complaints of inappropriate or offensive conduct, said he was “devastated by the allegations, which have affected my family and put a cloud over my name, personally and professionally.”
Chicago Tribune: FOIA fight will cost College of DuPage, foundation $500,000
An unsuccessful legal battle to prevent the release of a federal subpoena will cost the College of DuPage and its foundation more than $500,000 after a court ruling Friday.
Nearly half of that amount — about $225,000 — is a reimbursement of legal fees to the Chicago Tribune after the college and its foundation failed to turn over the subpoena, a refusal that prompted the news organization to sue for the document’s disclosure two years ago.
Northwest Herald: McHenry County Board wants school districts to reduce property tax levies by 10 percent
The McHenry County Board will seek an advisory referendum asking school districts to cut their tax levies by at least 10 percent.
Following on the heels of the County Board’s approval of a fiscal 2018 budget that included an 11.2 percent reduction of the property tax levy, a resolution submitted to the Law and Government Committee seeks to ask voters in the March 20 primary election whether they would like to see school districts do the same by 2020.
Northwest Herald: Crystal Lake Park District expects tax levy increase, tax rate decrease
The Crystal Lake Park District on Thursday unanimously approved a tentative property tax levy, which could result in residents paying less to the district than last year.
Based on the Thursday meeting, the board is likely to approve a levy in December of about $6.5 million for corporate and special revenue funds and a total levy of about $7.6 million, which includes debt service.
Daily Herald: Commissioner: Ex-official charged Disney tickets, purses to district
Allegations of misused government funds and the potential destruction of public records are at the center of a bitter legal battle between current and former Algonquin Township Highway Department officials.
Disneyland tickets, purses and women’s clothing are among the personal items Highway Commissioner Andrew Gasser claims in a lawsuit were charged to the road district during the tenure of his predecessor, Bob Miller.
Peoria Journal-Star: Peoria budget still asks too much of local taxpayers
For decades — literally, decades — this opinion page has warned that the skyrocketing cost of government’s obligations to yesterday regarding pensions would inevitably come at the price of the present, for taxpayers and public workers alike, by jeopardizing services and job security.
That time has arrived at Peoria City Hall, which is trying to balance its budget through a painful combination of cuts and tax/fee hikes — nearly $8 million worth — the necessity of which should not be lost on anyone sitting around the horseshoe.
Bloomington Pantagraph: Renner: Limiting mayoral powers is 'bad idea'
A proposed change in the city code would strip Mayor Tari Renner’s power to directly place items on City Council meeting agendas.
A new measure suggested by Ward 2 Alderman David Sage would require the mayor first obtain majority support of the council before placing an item on the agenda.
State Journal-Register: Springfield wants out of legislation limiting payments for 5G antennas
Telecommunication companies won’t be able to take a free ride on Springfield utility poles just yet.
A Statehouse bill that allows the companies’ latest 5G wireless antennas to be attached to poles without the city getting much in compensation was approved during the Illinois General Assembly’s veto session earlier this month. But Mayor Jim Langfelder said he plans to lobby lawmakers so cities with municipally owned utilities can be exempted from the legislation.
State Journal-Register: Springfield teachers, District 186 reach tentative contract deal
A tentative agreement has been reached on a new contract between Springfield Public Schools and teachers.
The next step is for the union to vote to ratify the contract. That vote will be held before Monday’s school board meeting, Springfield Education Association President Crysta Weitekamp said.