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Peoria Heights board amends language and approves 1% grocery tax referendum question for March ballot
Summary
Trustees changed the referendum wording from 'impose' to 'reestablish' for a 1% local grocery sales tax and voted to place the nonbinding question on the March primary ballot after debate about neutrality and voter comprehension.
Trustees debated the wording and purpose of a proposed referendum asking voters whether to restore a 1% local grocery sales tax. Trustee Simmons asked the board to replace the word "impose" with "reestablish" to avoid implying the village was forcing a tax; the amendment passed on a voice/roll call vote.
Board members discussed keeping the ballot question concise so voters would read and answer it, and they emphasized a neutral presentation on village channels rather than persuasive materials. Trustees also noted that the referendum is nonbinding — the board retains ultimate authority to act on the matter after seeing voter feedback. After amending the question to read "shall the village of Peoria Heights reestablish a 1% local grocery sales tax...", the board approved resolution 2025‑8 to place the question on the March primary ballot.
Trustees directed staff to use neutral outreach tools (website, informational posts) and confirmed deadlines and logistics for placing the referendum on the ballot.
