Peoria County seeks sales tax hike to fund local road repairs

Chronicle Media
The referendum asks voters to authorize Peoria County to increase its share of sales tax by one-quarter percent, which will go specifically to improve county-owned roads. (Photo courtesy of Peoria Co. Highway Department)

The referendum asks voters to authorize Peoria County to increase its share of sales tax by one-quarter percent, which will go specifically to improve county-owned roads. (Photo courtesy of Peoria Co. Highway Department)

The Peoria County Board has placed a sales tax referendum on the Nov. 8 ballot specifically for repair and improvement of County-owned roads.

The maintenance and project needs of Peoria County roads exceed its current funding provided by Motor Fuel Tax and County Highway Department budget funds.

The referendum asks voters to authorize the county to increase its share of sales tax by one-quarter percent , which will go specifically to improve county-owned roads. This sales tax increase would end after 15 years.

The tax would be on retail goods, excluding food, pharmaceuticals, and titled goods.

Peoria County has two meetings scheduled to discuss the sales tax referendum and planned road projects.

The public is encouraged to attend to learn more and ask questions of staff. Both meetings are from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 29 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 6801 N. Allen Road, Peoria, and on Tuesday, Oct. 18 at  Mossville Jr. High School, 12207 North Old Galena Road, Chillicothe.

County officials said they are willing to speak to groups and organizations regarding the referendum details. Interested group are asked to contact Gretchen Pearsall, director of strategic communications, at (309) 672-6918.

Find the full details of the plan, including the planned road improvement projects and short video, at www.fixthecountyroads.com.

 

 

— Peoria County seeks sales tax hike to fund local road repairs —