PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — The Bloomington City Council is deciding to implement a one percent grocery tax.
It’s a continuation of the previous tax at the state level that is now left for municipalities to decide.
At Monday’s meeting, Mollie Ward, Shelia Montney and John Danenberger opposed the grocery tax.
“It would provide a burden on people who are already suffering and those least able to accommodate that burden,” said Ward.
Municipalities have until Oct. 1 to adopt an ordinance implementing a tax. According to city staff, without the continuation of the tax, “the city faces an ongoing structural deficit that would likely require additional cuts on top of those already implemented.”
According to the agenda packet, staff said the lack of a tax would also prevent the council from addressing any of the city’s major capital needs.
Council members also voted to expand video gaming licenses available to establishments in the city. The number increased from 60 to 75 available licenses. Montney and Ward opposed the increase.
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