Skokie board expands amusement tax to include streaming subscriptions, earmarks revenue for ambulance and building services

The Skokie Village Board voted unanimously on June 1 to amend Chapter 98 of the village code to expand the municipal amusement tax to cover streaming subscription services and to add an amusement surcharge. Assistant corporation counsel Stu Weiss told trustees the change reflects how 'many of the things that were previously considered amusements...now happen within the confines of our home or possibly on a mobile device.'

Mayor Enid Tennis said funds generated by the change will be earmarked rather than added to general operations: the first priority is to fund operation of a fourth ambulance during peak hours; additional revenue will support enhancements to the building and neighborhood services division. "Without these funds we cannot afford it," the mayor said of the ambulance initiative.

Resident Steve Nalman spoke in public comment and urged staff to use medians rather than means when comparing Skokie's tax rate to peer municipalities, arguing that Chicago is an outlier and comparisons should account for that. The board did not amend the ordinance in response to the comment.

The ordinance language expands the definition of "amusement" to include monthly subscription streaming services (not one‑time downloads) and follows similar actions taken by other Illinois municipalities, Weiss said. The motion to approve carried by roll call, with every voting trustee recorded as "Aye." Village staff said they will reach out to streaming providers and other payors to effectuate collection.

The village did not set a public implementation date at the meeting; staff said details on collection and outreach to service providers will follow.