Lombard board adopts 1% local grocery tax to replace eliminated state levy

The Village of Lombard Board of Trustees voted to adopt an ordinance implementing a 1% municipal grocery retailers’ occupation tax to replace a 1% state tax that the village said is being eliminated.

Board members approved the ordinance by roll call vote after brief remarks. A trustee said they had discussed the proposal with village staff and were “very comfortable moving ahead” with the local replacement. Another trustee said they would vote yes while urging the village to continue exploring ways to shift the tax base away from residents.

The ordinance was introduced as a separate action on the agenda and moved for approval by Trustee Brian and seconded by Trustee Bob. The roll call recorded Trustee Levesque, Trustee Puccio, Trustee Dudek, Trustee Malhotel and Trustee Wagner voting “Aye.” The motion carried.

The ordinance’s text presented to the board describes the measure as a local 1% grocery tax intended to replace the state 1% tax that was being eliminated; the transcript does not specify an effective date, implementation details, or how the revenue will be allocated.

During discussion, one trustee said they had spoken with Tim Sexton and felt comfortable moving forward. Another trustee characterized the situation as one in which options from Springfield were limited and said the village should “work strategically to shift the tax base away from residents,” but did not describe immediate alternative measures. No additional directions to staff or follow-up deadlines were recorded in the meeting minutes excerpt.

The board’s action was taken during regular business and followed a roll call vote; the transcript provides no further details about the ordinance’s effective date or revenue use.

The approval was the final substantive vote of the meeting before adjournment.