On Tuesday, November 10th the Iroquois County Board pledged support for a one-half cent sales tax that’s expected to generate more than one million dollars to help support the Iroquois County Sheriff’s Department budget. This money will help keep Sheriff’s Deputies on the road for patrol duties. Because of budgetary issues the County Board had to cut the Sheriff’s Department budget by almost $400,000 and possibly more next year.
The Public Safety tax is not a property tax. Taxable items are limited. The tax is so small; your half-cent on the dollar won’t even be noticed. The ½ cent tax applies to all people who purchase goods and eat in the county. However, it excludes all licensed vehicles, automobiles, farm implements, prescriptions and non-prescription medicines and groceries. Visitors to Iroquois County will also be supporting the tax – that finds the money going to maintain county law enforcement patrols.
Iroquois County citizens spending money in Champaign and Vermilion counties, also in Tippecanoe County, Indiana, are paying their public safety tax. If you shop and dine-out when visiting the neighboring counties, you’re helping to support public safety there. A good reason why local citizens should support a public safety tax here in Iroquois County.
Retired Lieutenant Robert Flesher and Nita Dubble are leading the campaign for the public safety tax. Their goal is to attend every village board, organization and community meetings in Iroquois County to promote and answer questions about the tax. To schedule a presentation or for any questions in ref to the public safety tax please call 815-432-6956. Those wishing to make donations to the campaign can send their checks made payable to Citizens for Public Safety Tax, P O Box 67, Watseka, IL 60970.
At least four deputies will receive a letter from the county board on December 1st letting them know they will lose their jobs on February 3rd if this tax does not pass. Please make sure you show your support for the public safety tax by voting on February 2nd. The question on the ballot will read:
Shall Iroquois County be authorized to impose a public safety tax at the rate of .005 upon all persons engaged in the business of selling tangible personal property at retail in the County on gross receipt from the sales made in the course of their business?
Just a few cents keeping our community safe – your life may depend on it!
