GRANT PARK — Voters in Grant Park were asked to support an increase in the village’s sales tax rate, but the measure was soundly rejected.
In Tuesday’s referendum, Grant Park voters turned down the referendum question by 2-1 margin.
Grant Park was seeking a 1-percentage-point increase. It would have raised the total sales tax rate from 6.25% to 7.25%.
Grant Park has a population base of about 1,260. It, however, is located along Illinois Route 1 and has considerable truck traffic going through it.
In two Yellowhead Township districts, voters cast ballots against the question by a 162-83 tally. In Yellowhead Township 1, the measure failed by a 79-27 margin. In Yellowhead Township 2, it was rejected by a 83-56 vote.
In recent years, Kankakee County municipalities of Kankakee and Bradley have increased sales tax rates to pump more money into village budgets.
Bourbonnais has attempted to raise its sales tax percentage, but voters have rejected the request.
Mayor Jamie Hawkins said the extra money was earmarked to help the police department more current regarding training and equipment.
Another source for the funds would have been for street, alley and sidewalk replacement or repairs.
“Grant Park doesn’t have large industrial businesses to help bring money into town,” she said. “Unfortunately the tax increase is inevitable. The cost of living has gone up and so has the cost to keep the town running.”
