New Tazewell County Tax Referendum

WMBD/WYZZ-TV—WASHINGTON-- Spending your dollars in Tazewell County could soon put cash in the hands of the schools. But County districts are butting heads on the Referendum. This April Tazwell County voters will get to vote for or against a 1% sales tax aimed at improving county school buildings. While many of the school districts in the Tazewell county approve of the sales tax hike to help provide a more comfortable learning environment for the children. Still, others call the tax increase unnecessary. Pekin District 108 Superintendent Bill Link says the referendum comes on the heels of a recent tax on food beverages and liquor. And says that along with the recession eliminates the need for the tax. Link says his District has already completed capital projects such as renovations and adding air conditioning to buildings with the tax dollars that have already been spent. Still, District 50 representatives say they need an earmarked funding source so that they, too, can have air conditioned buildings. District 50 Superintendent, Susan Dudley, said, “Twenty five cents in this day in age is pretty insignificant for the benefits that it would give the children.” District 108 Superintendent Bill Link, “Our need isnt urgent to address those kinds of projects because weve had a long term approach to it and a strategic approach to it.” If the referendum passes anyone who spends 25 dollars on anything but groceries, vehicles, prescription drugs or farm materials in Tazewell county would be charged 25 cents. Voters are encouraged to contact their Districts superintendent to learn exactly what their district will do with the money. The referendum will be held on April 7th.