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Evanston council urges turnout; resident stresses the measure is a 1% sales tax, not a 'penny'
Summary
Council members repeatedly urged residents to vote on an upcoming sales tax increase that they and campaign materials had called a 'penny tax,' while a resident in public comment noted the measure is a 1% tax and urged clearer messaging.
At its final regular meeting before the election, the Evanston City Council repeatedly urged residents to vote on a proposed sales tax increase that councilors have often called a “penny tax.”
Multiple council members opened their remarks by encouraging turnout. Councilor Lind and others said that whether residents vote yes or no, they should cast ballots: “Get out and vote,” Lind said during council comments.
During public participation, Jared Houghton of 234 Medicine Butte raised a precision concern about how the measure is described in outreach materials. “I personally believe it's a little bit… a misrepresentation of what it is if you don't call it a 1% tax,” Houghton said, adding that the measure is a one‑percent increase in sales tax (raising the rate from 5% to 6%, as discussed at the meeting) and that calling it a “penny tax” can confuse voters.
Councilors acknowledged the point during public comment and said they would work to ensure voters understand the proposal. No formal council action on the tax itself occurred at the meeting; the session primarily served as a chance for councilors to remind voters of the upcoming election and for residents to ask for clarity on outreach language.
