By Howard Packowitz and Sam Matheny
PEORIA, Ill. (25 News) – Peoria Public Schools Board of Education will consider backing a referendum in November to double a sales tax intended to aid public schools.
On the board’s agenda during a special meeting Monday is a proposal to place the tax question on the Nov. 3 ballot.
The referendum is described as a countywide effort to raise the County School Facility Occupation Tax by a half-cent per dollar, lifting the tax to a penny (1%) and reducing the burden on property taxpayers to fund schools.
Voters 10 years ago approved a referendum creating the half-cent charge.
A report by retiring PPS Chief Financial Officer Mick Willis said the district stands to gain an annual increase of approximately $5.3 million to an estimated $10.6 million if voters approve the higher tax.
Willis’ report said the new revenue can be spent on school facility maintenance, upgrades, and construction, as well as on school resource officers and mental health professionals.
The new revenue, Willis said, would “help take some of the burden off our property owners because everyone who shops in Peoria County will be helping pay for our buildings and other services.”
The County School Facility Occupation Tax benefits all Peoria County school districts. The revenue generated is distributed based on enrollment.
The board’s vote comes during a special meeting scheduled for noon on Wednesday, July 1, which is Superintendent Jerry Bell’s first day on the job. The board appointed Bell to replacing retiring superintendent Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat.
Also on Wednesday, recently elected board members Andres Diaz and Sarah Howard will take their oaths. The board will also choose its president and vice president during the reorganizational meeting.
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