L.E. Starke Primary School

Voters Do Not Approve Tazewell County Schools Facility Tax Referendum

This election cycle, voters in Tazewell County did not approve the County Schools Facility Tax (CSFT) Referendum, a 1% sales tax on qualifying purchases, to establish a new revenue source for public school districts. The vote was 45.23% in favor to 54.77% against (unofficial results: 22,443 yes votes, 27,173 no votes).

The referendum proposed dedicated funding for school safety and security upgrades, facility improvements, and mental health supports. With this proposal not being approved, we and other school districts in the county remain committed to addressing the needs of our school buildings while providing a safe and supportive learning environment.

We want to thank everyone that took the time to engage with this process, learn about this proposal, and vote. We will continue to communicate future steps to address our facility and safety needs.

Please feel welcome to contact the district office with any questions.

What’s Taxed and What’s Not Under the County Schools Facility Sales Tax Proposal

Did you know? The proposed County Schools Facility Sales Tax only applies to items that are currently subject to Illinois sales tax. Here’s what won’t be taxed:

•Groceries
•Prescription medications
•Vehicles (cars, trucks, boats, RVs, mobile homes)
•Farm equipment, parts, and inputs
•Personal/professional services (haircuts, accounting, legal services, etc.)
•Wholesale purchases

What will be taxed? Only items that are currently taxed under Illinois law. For example:

•Prepared foods (restaurants)
•Retail purchases (clothing, electronics, etc.)
•Online sales

If approved, this tax would help fund facility upgrades and improvements as well as mental health supports for students. Learn more about this referendum by visiting tazewellonecent.info, or contact us directly!