County Schools Facilities Sales Tax - Q & A Fact Sheet
What is the Illinois County Schools Facility Sales Tax (CSFT)?
Public Act 97-0542 - Since 2007, Illinois voters have had the option to approve a 1% County Schools Facility Tax (commonly known as a sales tax), that shifts facility funding away from property taxes.
When is the vote?
March 19th, 2024
What gets Taxed?
Items that are currently subject to sales tax will be subject to the CSFT (no new items are taxed). Some items are exempt from the CSFT.
What is exempt from CSFT?
Groceries, Medicine, Vehicles, Mobile Homes, ATV’s/RV’s, Seed , Fertilizer, Farm Equipment & Parts/Inputs.
How can money be used?
- Payoff facility debt and reduce property tax
- Land Acquisition
- New School Facilities (Including Athletics)
- Additions & Renovations
- Improve Security & Safety
- Architectural Planning
- Parking Lots
- Energy Efficiency
- Durable Equipment (non-movable items)
- Fire Prevention & Life Safety
- Demolition, Roof Repairs
- School Resource Officer
- Mental Health Providers
How can money NOT be used?
By law, the revenue generated by this sales tax is dedicated to capital improvements and/or property tax reduction. Funds from the sales tax may not be used for salaries, supplies, books, buses, or other operating expenses.
How can these funds lead to reduced property taxes?
The resources provided by the county sales tax for schools will pay for school facility maintenance and improvements that would otherwise be funded by property taxes. New revenues would allow a district to be less dependent on new bonding and/or levying property taxes to pay for costly facility projects.
Who decides how money is used?
All financial decisions are made exclusively by the local School - Board of Education.
Will every school district in the county benefit?
Yes. Every public school district in the county will receive funds from the sales tax, which will be collected from all communities in the county and then distributed based on Hancock County district enrollment.
How is the revenue distributed?
Equally for every pupil that lives in the county and attends public school, regardless of the location of that school.
How much new money would Illini West receive if implemented?
Each school district in the county would receive a portion of sales tax money that is based on student enrollment. The most recent projection for Hancock County Schools is as follows:
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* Estimated enrollment per Districts
** Gross Est. CSFT Receipts $1,066,922
Less 2% DOR administrative costs (21,338)
Net Est. CSFT Receipts $1,045,584
Will revenue be generated from people who live outside of Hancock County?
Any person who travels through or visits Hancock County and makes a qualifying retail purchase would be contributing to the revenues for the Hancock County school facilities.
Comparable City Sales Tax Rates
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* Includes CFST
How would Illini West use the money? Here are some possible options for a proposed use of funds.
All projects would be determined by the Illini West High School Board of Education, but some possible uses would be:
- Potential solutions for unhoused students who are currently in portable classrooms.
- School safety and security upgrades
- School Resource Officer
- Mental Health Supports
- Parking lot repairs
- Energy efficiency measures
How will this benefit our local economy?
Investing in school improvements and construction in Hancock County has the potential to boost our local economy. Many projects funded by this sales tax will put people to work across Hancock County. Local contractors and businesses through competitive bids and prices will benefit as sales tax revenues are used for approved facility projects. Circulating the money within Hancock County can promote job creation or retention, economic growth for our communities and a better quality of life for everyone in our county.
Excellent school systems with quality facilities and learning environments are a key ingredient in attracting families to live within our county.
- Better schools
This dedicated revenue source will keep schools and classrooms maintained for safety, security, and sustainability.
- Jobs and economic growth
Many projects funded by the sales tax will put local people to work and support local businesses throughout Hancock County.
- Local control of funds
Every school district will control how it uses this tax revenue through the elected school board members who represent each school community.
- Property tax relief
A sales tax represents a shift away from property taxes. School districts will be able to become less reliant on property taxes with options to pay off existing bonds or avoid new property taxes.
- Visitors help to fund schools
Visitors to Hancock County will support schools with their spending. A portion of sales tax revenue is generated from non-residents of Hancock County.
- Attracting new families
Schools will be more attractive to families through quality school facilities. Attracting new families and retaining our current residents help to ensure a positive future across Hancock County.