October15, 2008

Our program this weekisthe club assembly. We’ll have reports from a few committees (who have met already) and then we’ll use the rest of the time for the committees to meet and set their goals for the year. This will give those committees who haven’t yet had an opportunity to meet a chance to do so. Nancy Domagalawill be the Greeter and Ron Domagalawill give us the Thought for the Day.

LAST WEEKS PROGRAM-“CLASS” CountyTax Initative to Support Public Schools by Lee Jessup

Lee Jessup

PresidentDeb Clarkintroduced Lee Jessup,a most active member of the Mahomet Community. His topic was the upcoming ballot initiative for the Champaign County Sales Tax Referendum (CLASS). The citizens will be voting on this matter which would add a 1% sales tax to benefit schools and result in a property tax reduction. Note—one third of the proceeds will come from out of county residents that shop and attend activities in the county.

There are 14 school districts in the county and all have decided to put this issue on the ballot. The Illinois legislature made this process available during their last session. This may be an initial step to new methods of funding public education.

The funds raised by this tax would be slated for property tax reduction, capital improvements and maintenance only. Funding for books, salaries, and equipment are not allowed under this tax.

This initiative has a “short fuse”. A steering committee was established in August and much public information is.

In the past, school budgets were developed with the assumptions of state aid, which had never been reduced. The current regime changed that and reasonable budgets for schools are operating at deficits. The results have been program cuts, deferred maintenance and problems with facilities.

For the Mahomet-Seymour school district the proceeds from the tax would be about $2 Million. The Board of Education has committed to have 33% of that amount for property tax reduction. For a home with a market value of $200,000, this reduction would be $176. The remaining $1.3 Million would be dedicated to maintenance priorities in the district which include: updating heating and cooling systems with more efficient systems, updating lighting systems, new efficient windows and doors, roofs and flooring. This income stream would be steady and represent about 5% of the budget for the MS School district.

Lee pointed out that the tax is not regressive because food, drugs, etc are exempt. Currently there is no “sunset” on this legislation.

John Alumbaugh commented on his 35 years in public education there has been a realization that the current process for funding education is flawed. We need to get away from property taxes because the students in districts with low property evaluations have less funding available for education. The Board of Education and Superintendent need to focus upon education rather than facilities and maintenance cost concerns.

For more information, please contact the CLASS website at

Contributions are most welcome and can be sent to CLASS, PO Box 95 in Urbana 61803.

In summary, Lee cited this quote from Dennis Wateley: “You must consider the bottom line and make it integrity before profit”.

We appreciate Lee Jessup telling about the initiative and the impact upon our property taxes, sales taxes and the school children in the Mahomet community.

10 DAY NOTICE—An application for membership has been received for Col. Peter Im. He is the Commander of U. S. Army ROTC at the University of Illinois and sponsored by Charlie Smith. If no objections are filed with Secretary, he shall be installed as a new member.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM LAST WEEK’S MEETING

Lisa Keating was the greeter during her second “official” meeting. She now knows the name of all members. Bob Morrison selected “When You Wish Upon a Star” as the song for the day. Short and sweet!

Thought for the Day---Nancy Domagalabrought us this deep thought-from Yogi Berra:-“If you don’t know where you are going….you will end up somewhere else!”

Bucket Bucks

The October Bucket Bucks are for the Mahomet Public Library. The good news from club members today yielded $76.17. Ron Domagala says since the Cubs lost…the baseball season is over…..but wait until next year! June Holmesbought her own copy of Handel’s “Messiah”. Steve Ziegler’sson Matthew celebrated his 4th birthday. Nancy Domagalawished the best of luck to Jeff Fago as he runs the Chicago Marathon on Sunday. Mary Weisiger took her badge home….but remembered to bring it back. Debe Williamsis going “bar hopping” with her now 21 year old daughter. Jeff Fagois hoping the hot weather forecast of 80 degrees on Sunday in Chicago changes to 45 degrees. Mark Keslerenjoyed the MAYC $100 Club annual meeting (steak fry!). Charlie Smithcongratulated Steve Ziegler for his Civil War presentation to the Boy Scouts and at the same time Camille Born was telling stories for a Cub Scout Pack. John Alumbaughnoted that the White Sox played one more game in the playoffs than the Cubs. Lee Jessupsaid that will fighting a fire at Helping Hands on Monday, a Rotarian (Doug Bosworth) wondered if he just got up. Sorry!Mell Smigielskiis one of many “hurting” Cub fans!

Announcements

  • NOVEMBER 22: Remember to mark your calendar for the Rotary Run for the Library. Jon Coffman is recruiting Rotary members to solicit sponsors for the event. He also gave each member 5 of the pancake breakfast tickets. All members are expected to turn in $25. Last year the net for the event was $8,000 and the goal for 2008 is $12,000.
  • President Debra Clark announced the following Rotary events:
  • October 11, 2008: Savoy Rotary Club is having their pancake breakfast this Saturday, from 7-10:30am. Before you go to the Illini game go to the FirstBaptistChurch in Savoy and support Savoy Rotary. $7.00
  • October 20, 2008: Bruce Weber will be speaking at Champaign Rotary at Champaign Rotary. All are welcome but reservations are requested. Please let Debra know if you’d like to attend.
  • October 24, 2008:Champaign West Rotary Club is celebrating their 30th anniversary with a “Disco Night”. Meal and fun in the downstairs area of Famous Dave’s. Let Debra know if you plan to attend—70’s wear is optional!

IMPORTANT OPPORTUNITY: Calling all Mahomet Rotarians to support our Honorary Member, Governor Jim Edgar as he speaks November 13 for the Illini After 5 Rotary Club at Stone Creek Golf clubhouse. A mere $15 gets you a delicious Kennedy’s dinner and an opportunity to hear what’s sure to be an interesting talk.

  • November 8: Charlie Smithis tentatively planning for the US 150 cleanup.

Future Programs

Oct 22—TBA

Oct 29—5th Wednesday Special Fun

Nov 5—RI Foundation—John Calderon

Nov 12—PolioPlus—Let’s Finish the Job!

Nov 19—RI Foundation $$$--Doug Bosworth

Nov 27—Thanksgiving Holiday—No Meeting!

Meeting Assignments

DateThoughtGreeting

22 OctJeff Fago Ron Domagala

29 OctCindy Guthrie Jeff Fago

Programs Chairs for Future Months

October---Camille Born & Glenna Weith

November—Doug BosworthEric Luedtke

December—Cindy Guthrie & Jon Coffman

January---KeithOates & RichLake

Jean Gabriel Chelala celebrates a stop along his cycling journey between Paris and Portugal. Chelala is attempting to be the first person to circumnavigate the entire globe on his own power, and is sharing his inspiration with Rotarians along the way.