The Westmont Village Board on March 20 approved an ordinance to raise the village's non‑home‑rule sales tax from 0.5% to 1%, effective July 1, 2025.

Finance Director Aultich said the village estimates the increase will generate "a little more than $1,000,000 every 6 months" and that state law requires receipts from the tax to be used for capital and related infrastructure needs.

The tax change, authorized by recent state legislation, was presented as a funding option for large capital needs the board has discussed. Aultich told the board that estimates for a new fire station run "anywhere from 22 to $25,000,000," and that five‑year capital needs for roadway maintenance, storm sewer and alley work could total roughly $27,000,000. Trustee Parker characterized the levy as a user fee, saying, "It's a user fee." Mayor Gunter and several trustees noted that the tax would also apply to visitors who shop in Westmont rather than being borne only by village residents.

Trustee Johanna Guzzo moved approval; Trustee Little seconded. The motion passed on roll call.

The ordinance sets the tax at the statutory maximum for non‑home‑rule municipalities and specifies that receipts be applied to capital and infrastructure. The board did not adopt a separate spending plan for the receipts at the meeting; trustees and staff said the revenues would expand funding options for projects already on the capital horizon, including the potential fire station and multiple public‑works projects.

The ordinance will take effect July 1, 2025, per the adopted language.