By Adam Studzinski

NORMAL – A one percent sales tax increase is a step closer to reality after the Normal Town Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to approve the measure.

The increase would only take effect if Bloomington approves the same measure. If it does become active, 25 percent of the new revenue would go towards mental health care. Connect Transit, economic development, and a new multi-sport athletic facility could also see funding, but mental health is the only area with an official earmark.

Councilwoman Kathleen Lorenz said no one likes tax increases, but she believes in what this money would be used for.

“All of those are very important and important that we address sooner rather than later,” Lorenz said.

Councilwoman Cheryl Gaines also believed in what the money would be put towards.

“All of things that we’ve heard from are not just going to help improve people’s lives, but it’s going to help improve everyone who owns a home, their value they have within their homes,” Gaines said.

Councilman Kevin McCarthy said these issues are “investments, they’re not wants.”

“So government’s role in helping support those things is fundamental,” said McCarthy. “It’s not a needs or wants conversation anymore. It’s a, how are you going to do it?”

The Bloomington City Council could vote on the issue during its meeting next week.

Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].