Votes at a glance: Highwood council approves grocery-tax continuation, 0.25% sales-tax increase and three-year water operator contract

At its regular meeting Tuesday evening, the Highwood City Council approved three measures to preserve local revenue streams and fund water system work, and passed routine financial items.

City staff member Scott Parrott explained the major tax votes, saying the grocery tax vote responds to a change in state law: "This is a municipal grocery retailers occupation tax, which was which is currently implemented in the state of Illinois. They're repealing it effective January 1 but allowing municipalities to pass it if they wanna continue." He summarized the sales-tax measure by saying the city sought a revenue source that "is shared by residents, businesses, and also visitors" and that proceeds would go "to pay for water…