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VOLUME 97 NUMBER 40 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1972 * 20 PAGES TEN CENTS THE MCHENRY PLAINDEALER "SERVING THE CHAIN-O-LAKES REGION SINCE 1875 Review School Income Sources Financial Problems Faced tit's Percy For 1976! - The view of the Fox river, near the city beach, very early on one of those very occasional tunny mornings is something to make the heart glad. But it also makes one think. There, swimming peacefully in the very cold water, are a good many of McHenry* s wild auck population. They seem contented, thanks to the generosity of some folks who live along the river and provide food for their feathered friends year 'round. But very soon the river will be entirely frozen over and the days will become even colder - not just one but a long series of wintry blasts from the north. It's then()the ducks will need more than a few friends. For two years members of one of the city's Girl Scout troops took over the task of taking food to strategic spots a couple of times a week. When their project was publicized, many kind-hearted individuals and stores entered into the spirit and helped provide food, or money to buy it. Then something happened. Maybe it was just like so many worthwhile undertakings that (Continued on page J.7) The financial plight of schools in general, and of Consolidated District 15 in particular, was outlined by Dr. Robert Boos, superintendent, at the Tuesday night meeting of the board. He cited the example of an individual family tfftich must borrow to meet necessary expenses and goes farther and farther in debt. Dr. Boos likened the problem to that of a school district when it begins the process of deficit financing. He continued by explaining the necessity f°r issuing tax anticipation wafrants when a district no longer has sufficient incoming revenue to cover expenditures. These advances on the following year's taxes must be immediately repaid upon the first distribution of the next year's taxes. Presently, he pointed out, the District 15 Education fund is deficit financing to the amount of $620,000 for the 1972-73 school year. He observed that deficits have increased since June 30, 1969, even though his ad­ ministration has considerably reduced its expenditure levels. This was clarified when he related that the budget had been reduced by $201,100 this year, although the operational deficit was still $205,000. He said he plans another sub­ stantial reduction in the 1973-74 fiscal year Homestead Exemption act of 1969 permits home owners over 65 years of age to exempt the first $1,500 from their property's assessed value. Dr. Boos pointed out the two sources of income available to the district, which are tax rate increases or an increase in state funds. The only source over which the board has an option, he emphasized, is the tax rate. The public is encouraged by the school to contact legislators regarding school relief through the revenue sharing program. At this time schools are not included He noted that in order to have a successful rate increase reflected in the tax bills of the following spring, a referendum must have been successful prior to the immediate Jan. l. ' The earliest possible taxes in considering a possible refer­ endum would be the 1973 taxes payable in the spring of 1974. If the maximum tax rate of any fund was to be increased for the 1973 taxes, that approval would have to come prior to Jan. l, 1974. Considerable discussion was held on the Dual Unit equality report. This pertained to the DUE organization formed several years ago with a goal to pursue all possible means to aspre equal educational op­ portunities to all children. The About 90 persons attended the third scheduled hearing of the McHenry County Zoning Board of' Appeals to present their objections in connection with a request for an amendment to the county zoning ordinance. The land in question is 238 acres located south of Route 120 to the east of River road, McHenry township. Petitioners are jJames Taggert, Fred Brodie and the National State Bank of Austin, under a trust. They are asking rezoning from "F" farming district for the development of multiple uses containing a motel, marina and recreational facilities; commercial uses including the sale of alcoholic beverages; industrial uses and for single and multiple family dwellings. Six people testified at Thursday's meeting and presented their specific ob­ jections to the proposed development. At the first hearing, the petitioners represented by the law firm of Caldwell, Berner and Caldwell, presented their proposed development plans. James Taggert and one of their engineers testified before the board. At the close of the first hearing, the petitioners had one more witness to present. Since the second hearing was postponed due to a legal technicality, the petitioner witness was scheduled to testify at Thursday's hearing. However, Caldwell informed the board that the witness they were going to present had died suddenly and they were unable to continue their presentation. arc * »<um, There was aftlvtty and enthusiasm in abundance American History classes at West campus this past week. The reason? Interest in who might become US. President in 1976. Campaigners are shown above. The happy smile on the girl in center front is easy to explain. Her straw hat indicates she is a Percy man, and the Illinois Senator will be winner if the preferences of these students are shared with enough other people. STAFF PHOTO-WAYNE GAYLORD If West campus American history classes have their way, Senator Charles Percy will become the next President in 1976. As the result of a mock election held last week, Senator Percy is being invited to visit the high school and make an acceptance speech. The purpose of the election was to provide a candidate for 1976 who would conform to the platform presented by the classes. Major points of this platform, voted on by delegates at a previous meeting, were as follows: 1 -- lower drinking age to 18; 2 - favor abortion; 3 - stronger welfare laws; 4 - abolish the electoral college. Thirteen candidates were nominated by supporters who believe they could conform to (Continued on page 17) Erojecting that the limit of the orrowing power will be reached by the end of the 1973- 74 school year. A chart listing the Education fund financial projections explained the problem as it grows. With a cash balance July 1, 1972, of minus $414,167, he listed anticipated revenue for the 1972-73 year at $2,272,292 and anticipated expenditures at $2,477,070, leaving the estimated fund balance June 30, 1973, at minus $618,945. The legal limit for borrowing is 75 per cent of anticipated revenue. Dr. Boos spoke at length on the many factors in addition to inflation that contribute to the inability of school districts in general to operate in the black. One of these is the recent increases in state mandated special education services. A recent law requires elementary school districts to provide for the special education needs of 3-to-5-year-olds. Also cited was the 1969 adoption of the automobile and household effects property tax exemption which exempts personal property from the assessed value totals, thus reducing income. The enactment of the LISTEN, LINUS, YOU'VE GOT JU5T 10 MORE SHOPPING GAV5 LEFT ...50 6ET bU5V.' charter members of that group tn a belief that the state has not showft'sufficient concern over the inequity they feel exists between unit and dual districts. The discussion raised questions as to whether or not the local community might gain from a change in the type of system. However, the school lawyer advised that in­ terpretation of the law deter­ mines whether or not the unit system is more beneficial. Some unit schools, he said, get more assistance and others less. The major discriminatory factor in the existing state aid distribution formula is the qualifying rate, according to the administrator's report. For unit districts, this rate is $1.08 regardless of their size or ef­ ficiency. In dual districts, the qualifying rate is $1.68 (high school 84 cents, elementary 84 cents). The proposal to authorize Ted C. Seiler to act as consultant of record on quotations on group hospitalization policy was approved with one dissenting vote, that of M. David Cain. Seiler is the present group life insurance manager for the district. Cain's opposition was for the stated reason that such policies can be set up in such a way as to benefit a particular company. The board member said Seiler might be completely fair, but it Was his opinion someone should set up such a policy who has no association (Continued on page 17) tinent information had been in the witness's possession and could not be obtained in time for this hearing. In order to move matters along, Board Chairman Charles Smith asked Caldwell if he would object to letting the objectors present their views. It was agreed that attorney for the objectors, William Franz, would present his witnesses and then another hearing was scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 24, at which time the petitioners would present their remaining witness, along with others wishing to be heard as ob­ jectors. The six objectors who testified Thursday were Frank Kellner of 309 N. River road, Anton Freels of 2801 W. Route 120, Mrs. Raymond Pieroni of 306 N. River road, Bernice Raedtke of 805 N. River road, A.L. Anderson of 2601 Indian Trail and Hugh Kirk of 119 N. River road. Prior to their testimony, Attorney Franz presented two sets of petitions to the board. The first set contained the names of approximately 300 individual objectors to the proposed development. The other set of petitions carried the names of property owners whose land abuts the territory in question. The main objections presented were the following: Closing of River road --The added mileage and in­ convenience were uppermost in many minds. Many persons, including children and older folks, regulaHy walk to and from McHenry on this road. Closing it would be a hardship on them. Emergency vehicles such as fire engines and am­ bulances as well as law en­ forcement vehicles would be required to take a longer route and therefore more time would be lost in getting these services to the people. In closing River road, traffic into McHenry would be re-routed on 120, thus causing an increase in traffic west from Chapel Hill road into the city. As one witness noted, there is only one way to get into McHenry and that's over the Elm street bridge. When one lane of that bridge was closed for repairs recently, traffic from the east into the city was backed up sometimes as far as Chapel Hill road. With the added traffic load from River road plus the anticipated traffic from the proposed develop­ ment, highway travel over that one bridge would be very congested. Placement of sewerage plant in the proposed developments Many objected to the proposed site of the plant. The developers contend that new sewerage plants do not emit any odors and are not detrimental to surrounding properties. One witness suggested that since there is nothing objectionable about these plants, why do developers not place them in the center of their develop­ ments and let new people buying homes live in that area instead of forcing established abutting home owners to do so. Development would lower property value of homes abutting sewer plant and in­ dustrial park locations. Increase in taxes due to additional children being ? brought into the area along with related school expenses such as busing, etc. Pollution of the river * Some felt effluent from the sewerage plant which would run into the river would set back progress made in cleaning the river and streams. The development, which includes a marina, would bring more boats into the already crowded river and add more impurities to the water along with more noise. Drainages By erecting buildings and roads on this now open land, the natural tendency of the land to absorb water will be lost and serious flooding could occur in heavy rainfall periods. Residents in the Snug Harbor area have experienced some past problems with flooding from the run-off caused by heavy rains Pre-Fab construction Concern was expressed regarding the possible use of pre-fab buildings in the development. Annexation - Some objectors present felt the development should be annexed to the city of McHenry since their building code is stricter than the county's and closer control could be enforced. The hearing was continued until Wednesday, Jan. 24, at 2 p.m. in McHenry city hall. WILL BURN NARCOTICS The Sheriff's department will burn a half million dollars in narcotics at the Woodstock city dump Friday morning. Crystal Lake's city police officers will also be on hand to dispose of confiscated drugs. Judge Home, Store Displays Sunday Night Anyone planning to enter either the home holiday lighting or store decorating contest this year is reminded that the deadline is 'Friday, Dec. 15, at 5 p.m. Entries should be made with James Wegener, 1245 N. Green street. Both contests will be judged after 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17. The home contest will be viewed in three categories, colorful, original and amusing. The store competition is in only two categories, colorful and original. Trophies will be awarded the first and second place winners in each category, and there will be plaques for third place. Theft Of Pigs Brings Charges Against Four Four men were arrested by county authorities Sunday morning for burglary and theft over $150 with bond set at $10,000 each. Taken into custody were Patrick C. Wittnebel of Deep Lake road, Antioch; Allen D. Fish of 9109 Alden road, Alden; Frank W. Fratus of Deep Lake road, Antioch and Andy C. McGinnis of Johnsburg-Wilmot road, McHenry. The arrests resulted after Craig Miller of 3401 N. Rich­ mond road, McHenry, told authorities he had attended a farm sale at the Joe Freund farm, 5017 N. Spring Grove road, McHenry, on Saturday afternoon and had purchased 41 feeder pigs. When he returned to the farm Sunday morning to haul the pigs away, he discovered that 35 of the animals were missing. In talking to a tenant on the farm, he found that as the tenant was returning from work Sunday morning about 3 o'clock, he passed a pickup truck in the lane leading to the farm, which was leaving the premises at a high rate of speed. A description of the truck was obtained and it was traced to Wittnebel. When questioned, Wittnebel said that he and the other men had attended the farm sale on (Continued on page 17) Delay Action To Oust Assessment Tempers flared, then calmed as the county board discussed in public, and later in executive session, the action of Super­ visor of Assessments Stanley Cornue in connection with filling a new position in his office. ?; In a letter to the board chairman, Walter Dean of McHenry, Cornue outlined how an ad had been placed by the Fees and Salaries committee in a local paper, seeking ap­ plicants for the position of deputy supervisor of assessments. Only one person responded, according to Cor­ nue. The committee then arranged for an interview with the applicant,iPaul Steffan, and also with Paul Cornue, who is presently employed by the county. The supervisor of assessments concluded his letter with a recommendation that Paul Cornue be employed in the newly created office because "he has more potential value to offer McHenry county". Members of the committee, stating that Cornue had placed Supervisor the ad, suggested that the board meet on the problem in executive session, which required an hour and a half. After they reconvened in public, a vote on employing Paul Cornue was defeated 12 to 10. At this point, Board Member Robert Vorisek of District I (Fox River Grove) moved that the county ask Stanley Cornue to resign. This action was seconded and carried. However, Member Edward Buss of McHenry suggested tabling the motion, which was approved by a 14 to 6 vote. He further moved that the com­ mittee chairman name a committee to meet with Cornue in the hope of resolving the problem. Buss, who heads the Finance committee, noted that because the county did not levy a county tax from 1968 through 1970, the amount received in revenue sharing was less than an­ ticipated. The county received $165,354 in a retroactive payment from January to June, 1972, whereas $186,000 had been expected. (Continued onj>age 17) Good Guide To Bad Weather Last Friday, Mrs. Frank Springer of 1417 N. River road. McHenry, commented that she could always tell when a snow storm was imminent by the persistence of several hundred wild ducks as they approach the door of her home for food. At that moment there were about 300 of the birds anxiously awaiting one of the day's feedings. The following day, the heaviest snow of the season thus far fell on McHenry. Mr. and Mrs. Springer have been feeding the ducks since moving to this community seventeen years ago. Using four large buckets in the morning and more in the afternoon, they feed between 300 and 400 lbs., of corn a week, year 'round. STAFF PHOTO-WAYNE GAYLORD