Barrington Taxing Body Leaders Share Updates at Annual Town Hall Forum
April 17, 2025
Compiled by: Rachel Kuna, Barrington SCOOP
Community taxing body leaders from across the Barrington area gathered for the annual Town Hall Forum held Thursday, April 17, 2025 at the Barrington Park District offering updates on key projects, fiscal health, and community programming across local government, education, library, fire, and park district sectors.
The event was hosted by the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce, which organizes this Town Hall with local taxing bodies every April and the Legislative Breakfast with local Village government leaders every October.
Fire Department: Costs and Delays in Equipment Procurement
Panelist: Tom Long, Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District
Long addressed rising costs and procurement delays for fire trucks and equipment. A major concern stems from private equity acquisitions of manufacturers, resulting in lead times of four to five years for new fire trucks. Despite these challenges, the department remains in strong financial standing and maintains a high credit rating.
Barrington Area Library: Growth, Innovation, and a Centennial
Panelist: Jason Pinshower, Executive Director
Pinshower highlighted increased community engagement and ongoing improvements. Highlights include:
A 29% rise in foot traffic
An 80% increase in one-on-one training appointments, attributed in part to the Maker Lab.
Renovation of the Baby Garden and an upcoming outdoor master plan presentation.
Capital repairs are in progress, including new furniture, windows, and gutters.
A new dropbox has been installed near the Arboretum of South Barrington entrance.
Upcoming events include the second annual Baby Fair and the Summer Reading kickoff, which last year drew 2,200 attendees with a 50% program completion.
This year marks the library’s 100th anniversary, celebrating the 1926 approval of a tax-supported library and the first elected Library Board. A birthday celebration is scheduled on Saturday, June 21, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with additional details coming soon.
School District 220: Strong Rankings and Facility Improvements
Panelist: Dr. Craig Winkelman, Superintendent
Dr. Winkelman reported that District 220’s multi-year renovation projects are on time and under budget. Highlights include:
A new auditorium opening in Spring 2028 to serve all grade levels and the wider community.
Full-day kindergarten across all schools, with no added fee for residents.
The district recently earned the top unit school district ranking in Illinois, and Rose School was named the state's #1 elementary school.
AP class participation and success rates are increasing, supported by new career pathway endorsements — now offered in all seven areas recognized by Illinois. District 220 is one of the first school districts in the state to offer career endorsements in all seven areas, and they recently added five new programs beyond this.
The district holds a AAA bond rating and has maintained a balanced budget for 28 consecutive years.
Student enrollment has been mostly flat. There has been a slow decline in overall enrollment, but no major spikes up or down are expected over the next several years and the district still serves over 8,000 students.
Barrington Park District: Community-Funded Improvements
Panelist: Teresa Jennings, Director
Jennings emphasized the importance of community partnerships, tax responsibility and provided an update on the referendum project. Updates included:
An $18 million tax-payer referendum project is underway. The additional $24 million will come from the district’s operational revenue. The new pool with modern features (racing slides, climbing wall, fitness areas) is expected to open mid-June, slightly delayed by weather.
Citizens Park has been paid off which will help operational revenue.
Two pickleball courts are nearly complete.
Updates on pool pass sales and opening dates will be posted online and via direct mail soon.
Barrington Hills Park District: Unique Equestrian Facilities
Panelist: Jill Zubak, Park Board Member
Zuback spoke on behalf of Dennis Kelly. Key points included:
One of only two equestrian-focused park districts in Illinois, with 15 acres of riding space, trails, and both indoor and outdoor arenas.
Recent upgrades include resurfaced tennis courts and the addition of two pickleball courts.
Annual events include the BraveHearts Veterans Ride (coming Oct. 29), Fall Festival, and Riding Club Summer Sundays.
Recent investments include picnic tables, a new tractor, basketball courts
Upcoming conservation efforts with community groups include events with Citizens for Conservation, Barrington Area Conservation Trust and the annual Ignite the Night event.
Barrington Township: Community Services and Infrastructure
Panelist: Dr. Robert Alberding, Supervisor
Dr. Alberding highlighted the ongoing initiatives supported by the approximately $28 per household tax bill that goes to the township.
A remodeled food pantry with industrial refrigeration serving 58 families.
Monthly mobile health services for seniors and disabled residents, in partnership with the Barrington Lions Club with goals of expanding this to other community members.
Hopeful plans for a crosswalk near Grove Avenue School and infrastructure improvements funded through grants.
Cuba Township: History and Forward Planning
Panelist: Chris Karam, Chief Executive Officer
Karam emphasized tradition and fiscal responsibility.
Food pantry services 50–60 families weekly.
No tax levy increase requested in three years.
Upcoming infrastructure improvements include cybersecurity upgrades and a new building plan.
Key events: Paper and electronics recycling (this Saturday, April 19), free compost giveaway (May 10), Land We Love Run (June 29), and Fall Festival (Sept. 20).
Harper College: Growth in Career-Focused Education
Harper College representatives reported positive enrollment trends after a decade of declines, now serving 23,000 students, including 3,700 in continuing education. Highlights:
Expanding earn-and-learn apprenticeship programs in 16 fields.
Two major capital projects (Canning Student Center and Business & Social Science Building) to be completed by 2027.
Balanced budgets for five consecutive years and a AAA bond rating.
South Barrington Park District: Rebuilding and Expanding
Panelist: Tim McCabe, Finance Director
McCabe shared that a February tornado caused major roof damage, but all repairs were covered by insurance. Plans are underway to:
Renovate Dunteman Park using $2.3 million from a land sale. A Park Improvement Steering Committee has been formed for the project.
Adding inclusive playgrounds, new pickleball and tennis courts, and enhanced shelter facilities.
Host community events like the Father-Son Tennis Tournament and pursue future capital projects without taxpayer burden.
Addressing Youth Needs and Looking Ahead
A panel Q&A covered pressing youth issues, with leaders citing mental health, digital citizenship, and student well-being as top priorities. School officials shared plans for increased internship opportunities. expanded emotional wellness programming and hires, and a new Social Media and Digital Citizenship advisory committee.
Emergency services raised concerns about shortages of trained personnel and rising equipment costs. Library leaders emphasized the need for sustained support amidst national challenges, while park and township officials stressed leadership continuity and financial stewardship.
Thank you for the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce and our taxing body leaders for hosting!
