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Voters across Champaign County experienced significant setbacks at polling locations this morning as network issues temporarily halted the voting process, impacting residents’ ability to cast their ballots. Champaign County Clerk Aaron Ammons confirmed to WCIA that the problem is affecting nearly all polling sites across the county.

According to Ammons, the network issues are extensive, but no timeline for resolution has been provided. Efforts to communicate with the vendor responsible for election technology have reportedly gone unanswered, leaving election officials and voters in a state of uncertainty.

To mitigate the impact of the outage, Ammons is seeking an injunction through the State’s Attorney to extend voting hours, aiming to ensure that all eligible voters can participate in the election despite the delays.

Some voting stations are using workarounds. Champaign County voters can vote at any polling location.

To find a vote center visit: https://champaigncountyclerk.com/elections/vote-centers.

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Voter-Approved Bonds No Longer Subject to Debt Limits

One of the most impactful changes brought by the new law is the removal of debt limits for voter-approved bonds. Starting with the bonds approved in the November 2024 general election, this provision allows school districts to borrow more freely for capital projects like building new schools or adding substantial upgrades to existing structures. Previously, school districts were constrained by a cap on how much debt they could take on, even if voters approved the bond issue.

Easier Path for Pre-K and Kindergarten Classroom Expansion

Another significant reform under the Act eliminates the need for referendums for building projects focused on pre-kindergarten and kindergarten classrooms. Effective September 1, 2024, school districts will be able to construct or purchase new buildings to increase early childhood education space without seeking direct voter approval. This move is expected to make it easier for districts to address growing demand for early childhood education programs, especially in communities with rapidly expanding student populations.

Longer Bond Terms for School Construction

The law also extends the maximum term for school bonds from 20 years to 30 years, offering districts a more manageable path to financing major infrastructure projects. This extension is especially beneficial for long-term investments, such as building new schools, adding gymnasiums, or constructing science labs, which often have useful lives far beyond 20 years.

With the ability to issue bonds over 30 years, districts can lower their annual debt service payments, making it more feasible to undertake large-scale construction projects without overwhelming their budgets. However, constituents should understand that while this makes projects more affordable in the short term, it also extends the district’s financial obligations over a longer period, which could affect future budgets and taxes.

Simplified Bond Issuance for Lower Costs

The law also addresses one of the more technical aspects of school finance by simplifying the process of bond issuance. Specifically, it reduces the need for “premium” bond structures, which districts have traditionally used to cover costs like issuance fees. Under the new law, districts can increase the principal amount of bonds by up to 3% to cover issuance and capitalized interest costs. This reduces the need for complex bond structures and makes it easier for districts to issue bonds without adding unnecessary financial burdens.

This change is expected to result in lower overall borrowing costs for school districts, allowing them to allocate more funds directly to construction projects. Additionally, the focus on fire prevention and safety improvements will help districts address urgent safety needs in older buildings.

Community Involvement and Potential Tax Implications

While the new law grants school districts more flexibility in managing large projects, community engagement remains essential. Public hearings are still a required step for major borrowing decisions, ensuring that constituents have an opportunity to express their views and concerns before projects move forward. These hearings are an important part of maintaining transparency and keeping residents informed about how their tax dollars will be spent.

It’s also important for residents to be aware that increased borrowing could lead to higher property taxes. Bonds used to finance school construction projects are often repaid through local property tax levies, which could directly impact homeowners. Schools in Champaign County also have access to the sales tax dollars which can be used for facility improvements, additions and new constructions. As school districts take advantage of the relaxed debt limits and new construction options, it’s crucial for voters to stay informed about how these projects may affect their local tax rates.

The timing of the changes is also worth noting. The exemption from referendum requirements for pre-kindergarten and kindergarten classroom expansion takes effect on September 1, 2024. Meanwhile, the new flexibility for voter-approved bonds applies to those passed in the November 2024 general election. 

A Brighter Future for School Building Projects

With these changes, Illinois school districts are positioned to more easily address their growing infrastructure needs. From building new classrooms for early learners to financing long-term investments with more flexibility, the new law opens doors for districts to plan and execute much-needed capital projects.

The new law represents a significant shift in how school districts can manage their capital projects. Constituents should stay informed about their local district’s plans and participate in public hearings to understand how these changes will impact their community, especially in terms of potential tax implications and long-term financial commitments. 

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This action follows the Board’s July 18, 2024, approval of Resolution No. 2024-178, which proposed eliminating the Auditor position effective December 1, 2024. The rationale behind this decision is the anticipated cost savings of approximately $150,000, as the County intends to rely on the statutorily required external auditor and a newly created Finance Department to handle the functions previously overseen by the Auditor’s office.

The upcoming referendum will ask voters to determine whether the Auditor’s office should be eliminated. The ballot question will read:

“Shall the office of the Champaign County Auditor be eliminated, effective December 1, 2024?”

The Champaign County Board believes that the ultimate decision lies with the electors of the County, and the resolution stresses that this is a matter best resolved through public deliberation.

This referendum marks a significant potential change in the governance of Champaign County, and voters will have the final say on whether this office should continue to exist.

The Board encourages all residents to participate in the upcoming election to ensure that their voices are heard on this important issue.

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Sheriff Dustin Heuerman supports the increase, emphasizing that the funds could provide critical resources for improving responses to emergencies, such as hiring mental health professionals to assist law enforcement at crime scenes. According to the Sheriff’s Department, the funds could also allow for the hiring of two additional deputies to serve rural areas, addressing staffing shortages.

Expanded Support for County Services

If passed, the additional revenue could reconfigure allocations across several county departments, including the Veteran’s Assistance Commission (VAC), which aids veterans in improving their economic well-being and quality of life. Though not directly tied to public safety, the additional sales tax could free up funds to expand VAC’s services to veterans.

Other beneficiaries include the Public Defender’s Office, which faces significant staffing challenges. The office currently requires at least 11 additional attorneys to manage its caseload effectively. Increased funding could support more hires to ensure the justice system moves efficiently.

Similarly, the State’s Attorney’s Office, responsible for prosecuting offenders and supporting crime victims, could use the funds to increase services for victims of violent crime and improve legal representation.

Public Safety Needs

Champaign County’s Public Safety Sales Tax has been in place since 1999 and currently raises about $6.5 to $7 million annually. However, with the county’s growing population and changes in the criminal justice system, more funding is needed. Recent reforms have reduced court fees and fines, decreasing revenue for essential county services. As Champaign County is not a home rule county, it has limited options for generating stable revenue, prompting the need for the proposed tax increase.

Mixed Opinions

Not all local officials support the tax hike. Representative Carol Ammons, a Democrat representing parts of Champaign County, expressed her concerns, stating, “There is nothing progressive about taking from low-income and working people to fund law enforcement projects after financial mismanagement.” Ammons also pointed out that no specific commitments have been made about how the additional $7 million would be distributed among public safety departments.

If voters approve the increase, the County Board will determine the exact allocation of the funds, though no formal plan has been outlined.

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Early Voting at Brookens Administrative Center

The Brookens Administrative Center, located at 1776 E Washington Street, Urbana, IL, offers early voting during the following dates and times:

• October 21st – November 4th:
  • Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Additional Early Voting Locations

From October 21st to November 4th, eleven additional early voting locations will be open across Champaign County. The schedule for these locations is as follows:

• Monday – Friday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Sunday: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

The additional early voting locations include:

1. Champaign Public Library – 200 W Green Street, Champaign
2. Illini Union – 1401 W Green Street, Urbana
3. Lake of the Woods Pavilion – 109 S Lake of the Woods Road, Mahomet
4. Leonhard Recreation Center – 2307 W Sangamon Drive, Champaign
5. Meadowbrook Community Church – 1902 S Duncan Road, Champaign
6. Parkland College (Building E) – 2400 W Bradley Avenue, Champaign
7. Prince of Peace Lutheran Church – 802 E Douglas, St. Joseph
8. Rantoul Youth Center – 1306 Country Club Lane, Rantoul
9. Savoy Recreation Center – 402 W Graham Drive, Savoy
10. The Church of the Living God – 312 E Bradley Avenue, Champaign
11. Tolono Public Library – 111 E Main Street, Tolono

Voting Process

Early voting allows voters to cast their ballot in-person before Election Day. Voters are reminded that once a ballot is submitted, it cannot be rescinded. To vote early, voters should visit any early voting location, check in with Election Judges, and follow the standard procedure for casting their ballot.

Voters do not need to show ID unless they have updated their voter registration or if their signature does not match the records on file. In case of any issues while voting, such as filling in the ballot incorrectly, Election Judges will be available to assist with a replacement ballot.

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This critical need comes during National Preparedness Month, a time when the Red Cross emphasizes the importance of a robust blood supply to ensure hospitals are prepared for any emergencies. A steady stream of blood donations is crucial not only for daily patient care but also in the event of unexpected disasters or crises.

To encourage donations, the Red Cross is offering incentives for those who come to give blood during September. Donors who schedule appointments and give between September 1-15, 2024, will receive an exclusive Red Cross raglan T-shirt, while supplies last. From September 16-30, 2024, donors will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice as a thank you. For more details on these promotions, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Fall.

How to Donate Blood

Donating blood is simple and can be done by downloading the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on an Alexa Echo device.

Blood donors are required to present a donor card, driver’s license, or two forms of identification during check-in. Eligible donors must be at least 17 years old (16 with parental consent in certain states), weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in general good health. High school students and younger donors must meet additional height and weight requirements.

To save time, donors can use the RapidPass® tool to complete pre-donation reading and health history questionnaires online before arriving at a blood drive. More information can be found at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or via the Blood Donor App.

Amplify Your Impact by Volunteering

The Red Cross is also calling on those interested in further supporting their lifesaving mission to consider volunteering as a blood donor ambassador or transportation specialist. Ambassadors greet, check in, and thank donors, while transportation specialists ensure that donated blood reaches hospitals promptly. Both roles play a vital part in maintaining a positive and efficient donation experience.

For more information on how to volunteer, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.

By donating blood or volunteering, individuals can make a meaningful impact, helping the Red Cross continue to provide critical services to patients and communities across the country.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Sept. 9-30

CHAMPAIGN COUNTY
9/13/2024: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., University of Illinois Illini Union, 1401 West Green Street
9/18/2024: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., University of Illinois Illini Union, 1401 West Green Street
9/26/2024: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., University of Illinois Illini Union, 1401 West Green Street
9/30/2024: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Illini Union, 1401 W Green St

FULTON COUNTY9/11/2024: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m., Church of the Nazarene, 13192 N US 24 Hwy
9/20/2024: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Wesley United Methodist Church, 120 N Avenue A

IROQUOIS COUNTY9/9/2024: 12:30 p.m. – 6 p.m., Sheldon Community Center, 140 S 4th St
9/13/2024: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., American Legion Post 23, South 4th St.
9/27/2024: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., The Arc of Iroquois County, 700 E Elm Street

LIVINGSTON COUNTY9/10/2024: 12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 114 W Mazon Ave
9/25/2024: 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 200 E. Maple Street
9/25/2024: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Pontiac Township Senior Community Center, 601 N Ladd Street

PEORIA COUNTY
Peoria Red Cross Blood and Platelet Donation Center    
405 West John H Gwynn Jr Avenue, Peoria, IL 61605    
Sun 7AM – 3PM    
Mon 11AM – 7PM    
Tue 11AM – 7PM    
Wed 11AM – 7PM    
Thu Closed    
Fri 7AM – 3PM  
Sat 7AM – 3PM 

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More information about the Flu Vaccine

Things to remember:

• To expedite the process, please print and complete this form for every person receiving the flu shot prior to arriving
• Bring your insurance card
• Dress in short sleeve shirts and toddlers should be in shorts
• Stay in your vehicle. Christie Clinic team members will administer the flu vaccine through your open car window and/or door
  • For patient safety, walk ups will not be permitted
• Everyone who wants to be vaccinated must be seated by a car window that opens

Important information:

• No appointment necessary
• The COVID-19 vaccine will not be available at flu clinics
• This clinic includes the 65+ dose
• No charge with most insurance

We will be administering the vaccine to patients ages six months and older at locations listed below.

Saturday, September 14
7:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 
Christie Clinic in Champaign on Windsor

Thursday, September 19
5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Christie Clinic in Champaign on Windsor
In order to allow our Team Members time to leave work for the day, please do not begin lining up in the parking lot until 5:15 p.m.

Saturday, September 21
7:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Christie Clinic in Champaign on Windsor
Christie Clinic at The Riverfront

Thursday, September 26
5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Christie Clinic in Champaign on Windsor
In order to allow our Team Members time to leave work for the day, please do not begin lining up in the parking lot until 5:15 p.m.

Saturday, September 28
7:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Christie Clinic in Champaign on Windsor

Thursday, October 3
5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Christie Clinic in Champaign on Windsor
In order to allow our Team Members time to leave work for the day, please do not begin lining up in the parking lot until 5:15 p.m.

Saturday, October 5
7:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Christie Clinic in Champaign on Windsor
Christie Clinic in Mahomet on Commercial

Thursday, October 10
5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Christie Clinic in Champaign on Windsor
In order to allow our Team Members time to leave work for the day, please do not begin lining up in the parking lot until 5:15 p.m.

Saturday, October 12
7:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Christie Clinic in Champaign on Windsor

Saturday, October 19
7:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Christie Clinic in Champaign on Windsor

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This work involves building crossover pavement to be used during next year’s reconstruction of the I-72 bridges over I-57 and will require closures of the left lane in both directions of I-72. Bridge work will begin in 2025 with an expected completion in fall 2026.

Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. To avoid the work area, when feasible, use of alternate routes should be considered. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment.

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The National Association of Realtors® reached a $418 million settlement in March, leading to significant changes that are overturning the industry’s traditional commission structure. 

In the past, sellers typically covered the 5% to 6% commission, which was then divided between the buyer’s and seller’s agents.

While the NAR has argued commission rates were always negotiable, the lawsuits alleged the practice violated antitrust laws. The lawsuit, which went to trial in October 2023, resulted in a jury siding with the plaintiffs, leading to fines and the mandated changes to NAR’s practices.

Realtors® Face New Compliance and Educational Demands

For realtors, the most immediate impact comes in the form of new compliance requirements. All Multiple Listing Services (MLSs) affiliated with NAR were required to implement changes by the August 17 deadline to remain in compliance with NAR policies. This includes the elimination of offers of compensation on MLSs—a practice that had been a cornerstone of many real estate transactions.

Realtors will now need to adjust their practices and focus on educating clients about the new landscape. This includes guiding buyers through the process of entering written agreements before touring homes and ensuring that all compensation terms are clearly communicated and understood.

Homebuyers Encounter New Requirements

Homebuyers will also see significant changes in how they interact with real estate professionals. Under the new rules, buyers must now enter into a written agreement with their agent before they can tour homes. This agreement must include clear details about the agent’s compensation, which remains fully negotiable and must be explicitly outlined.

This shift is designed to increase transparency and ensure that buyers fully understand the financial aspects of their real estate transactions. However, it also places an additional responsibility on buyers to carefully review and negotiate these agreements before proceeding with their home search.

Additionally, while sellers can still offer compensation to buyer agents, this information will no longer be shared through MLS platforms. Buyers and their agents will need to negotiate compensation separately, adding a new layer of complexity to the process.

Sellers Retain Flexibility but Face New Disclosure Requirements

For home sellers, the changes primarily affect how they can offer compensation to buyer brokers. While sellers still have the option to provide compensation to attract buyers, these offers can no longer be listed on MLS platforms. Instead, sellers will need to consider alternative methods to promote their concessions. 

Moreover, sellers must now provide written consent for any compensation agreements with buyer brokers, ensuring that all parties are fully informed and in agreement before any transactions take place.

Despite these changes, the overall flexibility for sellers remains intact. Sellers can still offer buyer concessions, such as covering closing costs, and they retain the ability to negotiate the terms of their real estate transactions to best suit their needs.

The real estate industry is bracing for these adjustments, which could prompt new business models and alter the landscape of agent compensation. While some predict that the changes will drive full-service Realtors out of the industry, others believe the adjustments will ultimately benefit consumers by fostering transparency and competition.

These new practices are designed to protect consumers and ensure a more equitable process for both buyers and sellers. As the real estate market adapts, the impact of these changes will become more evident in the months to come.

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