A small group of interested citizens showed up Monday evening at the Odell Library to hear the Morrison Chamber Board President, Heather Toppert,
discuss the upcoming 2 cent tax referendum and the support for both by the Morrison Chamber. Joining her at the table were Mayor Everett Pannier, City Administrator Barry Dykhuizen, and Morrison School Superintendent, Scott Vance.
Ms. Toppert explained the proposed tax referendum and how the two cents paid on a dollar purchase would create a new source of revenue to fix Morrison streets and repair school infrastructure items such as a boiler at the schools without increasing the tax on property owners. City streets and school buildings are the essence of a fine community.
Purchases that are exempt from the 1% sales tax increase would be
- groceries
- prescription drugs, non-prescription medications, and medical appliances
- agricultural equip0ment/supplies
- titled and registered vehicles (cars, trucks, boats, RV’s, ATVs, mobile homes) and or/equipment
- farm equipment, parts, and inputs.
By state law, the 1% sales tax funds must be used for infrastructure improvements, such as Morrison’s streets. The Mayor stated “the city administrator and council members have made improving our streets a priority. It is estimated that a total cost of $3.5 million is needed to repair our streets. Currently the state motor fuel tax supports the street repair fund but the motor fuel tax is only sufficient to support a few minor repairs and is not adequate to fund major repairs.” The revenue from this fund has been decreasing over the years. ” The 1% tax would spread the burden of street repairs to those who live outside City limits, but make purchases in Morrison. City Administrator Barry Dykhuizen stated “over 300 towns in the state have the tax we are asking Morrison residents to consider.” “The revenue is estimated to generate approximately $200,000 per year according to Dykhuizen.” Regionally, Fulton, Rock Falls, Sterling, and Dixon, IL all have local Sales Tax to help their communities. If the referendum is approved, the city sales tax would go from 6.25% to 7.25%. The average sales rate in Illinois is 8.16% according to Dykhuizen.
Mayor Pannier put the numbers in perspective -” if the referendum is not passed, the property tax that the city receives may increase by 40% to yield what the 1 penny would give.”
The second penny on the referendum is for the schools. The past three times this referendum was put to the Morrison voters it has passed (Thank you for supporting your school!) but due to the fact that it is a county vote, it failed overall. Morrison Chamber and residents are all hopeful that this time, the county will vote it through for the betterment of all schools in Whiteside County. New to Morrison? Here is what the school “penny” would support. According to Superintendent Scott Vance, a few of the items in need of repair consist of a 60 year old boiler at the high school, a roof replacement at Northside School, removal of asbestos flooring , upgraded lighting, ceilings and improved security measures at all schools. ” this money must be spent on infrastructure /repairs and may not be used to pay salaries, purchase furniture, or technology. The money from the state continues to be smaller each year according to Vance. He continued, “if the referendum passed we could begin to use the State money toward what it “should be – education” and the 1 cent tax toward repairs. The school board has also pledged half the money to abate property taxes in the future by reducing District Bond debt. It’s a win, win for students and property owners. Morrison is the second biggest school district in the county according to Vance and stands to gain a larger some of the money if the referendum passes. ( estimated at $400,000-$500,000 based on student enrollment)
The Mayor, City Administrator, Superintendent Scott Vance, and Morrison Chamber Board President Heather Toppert all have an open door for questions from the community. They encourage residents to share this information and to vote at the November election. The Morrison Chamber is in support of both referendums and encourages residents to vote “yes”.