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			 In a time when public bodies seem to be raising tax 
			rates at unprecedented rates, Midwest Central Board of Education 
			voted to lower their tax rate by nearly 30 cents. Board president, Mark Berg, commented “We’re doing exactly what we 
			said we’d do. We’ve stuck to a plan for two years and now it’s time 
			to reduce taxes.” His comment reflected the general consensus of the 
			rest of the board which voted unanimously to lower the rate.
 
 The current tax rate is $5.23 and the 6th lowest rate between all 
			school districts in Tazewell and Mason counties. Midwest Central 
			residents reside in Forest City, Green Valley, Manito, and Topeka 
			and has homeowners in both Mason and Tazewell counties. The board 
			adopted the superintendent’s proposed rate of $4.95 for the 2017 tax 
			year.
 
			
			 
			
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If all things stay the same in other districts, this will put 
Midwest Central with the third lowest tax rate in Tazewell and Mason Counties. 
Only Creve Coeur/East Peoria High and Havana school districts will have lower 
rates. 
			 
Superintendent, Dr. Todd Hellrigel, stated, “Property owners will 
be the beneficiaries of the strong commitment the board has made to be 
financially responsible.” Hellrigel estimated the owner of a $100,000 property 
will see a reduction of $81.00 per year and the owner of a $200,000 house will 
see a reduction of $180.00 per year.  
				 
			[Todd Hellrigel] |