Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle.

After more than four hours of discussion and public input, Cook County commissioners Wednesday afternoon July 15 approved increasing the county’s sales tax by 1 percent.

In a 9-7 vote, the County Board approved Board President Toni Preckwinkle’s proposal to increase the sales tax rate from 0.75 percent to 1.75 percent as of Jan. 1.
The money will be used to cover deficits in the county pension funds, make debt payments and finance road and infrastructure improvements, according to the board president.

“It was a tough decision to have to make,” Preckwinkle told commissioners after the vote.  “I particularly appreciate the commissioners who showed the foresight and courage to support this.”

Commissioners voting for the sales tax hike were: Luis Arroyo Jr., Jerry Butler, John Daley, Jesus Garcia, Stanley Moore, Joan Patricia Murphy, Deborah Sims, Robert Steele and Jeffrey Tobolski.

Voting against the measure were Commissioners: Richard Boykin, John Fritchey, Bridget Gainer, Greg Goslin, Tim Schneider, Peter Silvestri and Larry Suffredin.

Commissioner Liz Gorman voted “present,” saying she was torn on the issue.

“This is not the best time to evoke a tax on the business community. I think the business community is going to suffer,” Silvestri said. “There are businesses across county lines now with signs saying ‘No county taxes.’ There are businesses (near Chicago) with signs saying ‘No city taxes.’ “

— Cook County approves sales tax increase —-