MADISON COUNTY, Ill.– Residents in Madison County could be paying higher sales tax soon.
The county board wants to increase sales tax by 1-percent.
With many schools struggling financially in Illinois, School District 7 Superintendent Dr. Lynda Andre said this could help area schools.
The decision will be placed in the hands of voters.
They’ll have the option to choose whether to pay more in sales during the March 20 election.
Michelle Motley, is the co-owner of Source Juicery.
She said she hopes a county-wide sales tax won’t hurt her business.
“Our most popular drinks are $8. So that would be 8-cents for every dollar that you spend,” she said.
The added revenue would go directly towards local schools.
The board said the extra revenue would be distributed based on student enrollment.
Those funds would go towards building upgrades and things like safety and security.
For School District 7, it could mean $4.5 million more a year.
Michelle has four children ages 19, 17, 14 and 10. All of them have attended or are currently enrolled in the public schools.
“Our buildings are getting older and there are definitely some updates and improvements that I’d like the district to immediately see some differences with that financial relief,” Michelle said.
Even if it puts a little strain on business, Michelle said it’s better for her family in the long run.
“I think everyone is looking for a solution. And they know something has to change,” she said.
