School administrators in Tazewell County will be asking voters in November to consider a referendum on a 1% school facility tax.
Morton School District 709 Superintendent Joe Sander says the funding would support facility maintenance upgrades, safety and security and mental health resources.
"We're the hole in the donut," said Sander. "Every county that's adjacent to Tazewell County has passed the tax."
Tazewell County is in the hole because the tax proposal was defeated in 2018 and 2019, rejected by 51% and 56% of voters, respectively.
Revenue from the latest tax proposal, estimated at $22 million annually, would be distributed to Tazewell County's 18 school districts based on student population.
More than half of the revenue — nearly 60%, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — would come from shoppers who are not Tazewell County residents.
"Tazewell County residents are paying this tax when they shop in Bloomington, Normal, Champaign or Peoria," said Pekin Public Schools District 108 Superintendent Leonard Ealey. "Tazewell voters in have a chance to decide if this same tax revenue flows to our schools."
Groceries, vehicles, boats, farm equipment and parts, medications, over-the-counter drugs and vitamins are among the items that are not taxed. Restaurant bills and online sales are taxed.
Here are some examples of how the tax affects purchases: An $18 meal at a fast food establishment would cost $0.18 more; a $64 gasoline purchase would add $0.64; a $750 television costs an additional $7.50; and a $100 Amazon purchase costs an additional $1.
Sander referred to the tax as an "advantageous alternative revenue stream" that Tazewell County school districts can use for several purposes without asking property owners for the money or relying on often inadequate state or federal funding.
Many school buildings in Tazewell County were built before 1980 and need repairs, renovations and safety upgrades, Sander said.
Revenue from the tax can only be used for these purposes, according to state law:
- New construction, renovations and repairs to school buildings.
- Safety improvements, including fire prevention and energy efficiency upgrades.
- Funding for school resource officers, school security and mental health professionals.
- Technology infrastructure.
Tax revenue can't be used for school salaries, instructional materials or other operating costs.
Sander said if the tax passes, his district would eliminate school registration fees, which range from $110 to $230 this school year.
Ealey said his district's 11 school buildings, which serve more than 3,700 students from pre-K through eighth grade, need about $40 million worth of work, with no funding source available.
Danielle Owens, superintendent for Pekin Community High School, said her school would receive nearly $2 million in revenue annually from the tax.
Administrators from the 17 school districts in Tazewell County have set up a website tazewellforstudents.com that answers questions about the proposed tax.
Early voting has begun. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. election day.
