PEORIA HEIGHTS, Ill. – Village trustees in Peoria Heights will vote next month to override the mayor’s veto of a 1-percent local grocery tax that would replace a similar state tax expiring at the end of the year.
Trustees approved the tax on a 5-1 vote at their September 2nd meeting.
Mayor Matt Wigginton’s veto is believed to be the first by a Peoria Heights mayor since 1914. Wigginton called the tax “regressive” because it takes away money from people who can’t afford to lose it.
“We have survived without a grocery tax in the past. Specifically during Covid, Gov. Pritzker suspended the tax for a year. In fact, we did not just survive, we thrived. In 2023, according to the Department of Revenue, Peoria Heights received $138,573 from the grocery tax,” Wigginton said.
The mayor said he’s keeping a campaign promise by not supporting the grocery tax, which would amount to a penny on every $1 of groceries. The tax generates at least $125,000 a year in revenue for Peoria Heights.
“This veto is not to vilify or demonize those who supported the taxation. On the contrary, I fully respect your perspective, and I believe all of us share the same goal in advancing the interest of the Village of Peoria Heights,” the mayor said.
Wigginton suggested a referendum for voters to have their say on whether they want a grocery tax or not.
Trustee Trustee Sarah Devore said most Peoria Heights residents already shop outside the village and are paying a 1-percent tax. She says once Save-A-Lot closes, they’ll still be paying it.
“So, why would we refuse to collect the same modest tax from non-residents who shop here? Saying no means other municipalities cash in on our residents, while we refuse the very revenue visitors generate on our streets,” Devore said.
Trustee Teresa Symmonds motioned for another vote at the October 7th meeting. If one trustee changes their vote, the mayor’s veto of a new local grocery tax would carry.
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