“Referendum Bill” Becomes Law
The Block has a potential additional source of public funds, thanks to a new state law. The law allows Illinois counties to ask voters whether they can raise sales taxes for the purpose of constructing public facilities, such as the Peoria Riverfront Museum.
The measure, sponsored in the Senate by Sen. David Koehler (D) and in the House by Rep. David Leitch (R), passed both chambers by large margins and was signed into law by Gov. Rod Blagojevich on Nov. 20.
The law will permit the Peoria County Board to consider a referendum vote on a Peoria County sales tax increase to help raise public funds for the Peoria Riverfront Museum. Brad McMillan, chairperson of the Museum Collaboration Group, said such revenue would provide a key final piece to making The Block a reality, ensuring the $90.2 million already pledged to the $136 million project is put to good use.
County officials haven’t decided on the size of any proposed sales tax, but County Administrator Patrick Urich has said he would recommend 0.25 percent, which translates to 25 cents on a $100 purchase made in Peoria County. The tax would not affect property tax rates and would not be levied on groceries or titled items like vehicles and boats.
The Peoria County Board has until Jan. 30 to decide whether to allow the referendum on the April 7 ballot. If the referendum were allowed on the ballot, Peoria County voters then would accept or decline the increase.