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

The Village of Lombard Board of Trustees on April 17 approved an ordinance establishing a local 1% grocery retailer's occupation tax and a municipal grocery service occupation tax to replace a state 1% tax that is being eliminated.

Trustees and staff said the local tax is intended to preserve the village's existing revenue stream after the state-level levy ends. A trustee reported speaking with Tim Sexton (summary of staff consultation) and said they were "comfortable moving ahead" with the local replacement. Another trustee said options that might have avoided the change were considered in Springfield but did not advance, and said they would vote yes while urging the village to explore shifting the tax base away from residents over time.

The ordinance was moved by Brian (Trustee) and seconded by Bob (Trustee). The board voted by roll call, and all trustees present voted in favor; the clerk recorded the ayes and the ordinance was adopted. The ordinance text presented to the board describes the local taxes as a one-percentage-point levy to replace the state tax; the ordinance number and effective date were not specified during the meeting record.

Board discussion focused on the limited options available after state legislative changes and on the village's ongoing fiscal strategy. Trustees said the measure is not a net new tax for the village budget but a local replacement to preserve funding streams. No amendments or conditions to the ordinance were stated on the record.

The board approved the ordinance by unanimous roll call. Implementation details such as the specific ordinance number and the ordinance's effective date were not specified in the meeting transcript and will be provided in the final ordinance publication and village records.

Votes at the meeting were recorded by the clerk; the board then moved on to other business.