Hinsdale board advances plan to levy 3¢ motor fuel tax at Oasis to raise ~$100,000

The Village of Hinsdale moved forward on a plan to impose a 3-cent-per-gallon motor fuel tax at the Oasis interstate service station in the Cook County portion of the village. Trustees discussed the item as a first reading and indicated they will bring the item back for a second reading. The tax proposal traces to legislation first passed in 2019 that allowed Cook County municipalities to levy a motor fuel tax; village staff said more recent state changes this year permit municipalities to impose the tax only on the Cook County portion of a municipality rather than on all gas stations in a village. Because Hinsdale’s only gas station in Cook County is the Oasis — used primarily by pass-through and out-of-state drivers, according to trustees — the proposed tax would largely capture revenue from nonresidents. Village leaders estimate the change would yield roughly $100,000 in additional annual revenue, with an effective date of January 1 if adopted. Trustees and staff framed the proposal as a way to add a modest new revenue stream before the fall budget process and said the board will consider that revenue when reviewing legacy fees. The item was presented as a first read at the meeting; trustees signaled support to proceed to a second reading rather than taking final action that night. The discussion included clarification that the Oasis gas station remains open and that village staff continue discussions with the Tollway about related development. No vote to adopt the tax was recorded at the meeting; trustees recorded agreement to move the item to the next reading and further budget deliberations this fall. Looking ahead, village staff said they will include the expected revenue in fall budget discussions and continue outreach about how the new proceeds might offset longstanding legacy fees.