DECISION 2024: Champaign County to vote on two local measures

October 29, 2024 108

CHAMPAIGN COUNTY — Voters in Champaign County will soon decide on a ballot measure on November 5 that seeks to double the existing public safety sales tax.

The tax, currently set at 0.25%, under the countywide ballot initiative would double the existing tax to 0.50%. This would increase the tax for every $100 spent in the county from $0.25 to $0.50. The tax hike would not be applied to sales of groceries, vehicles, and medical supplies.

Supporters of the measure say that the sales tax hike will generate an additional $7 million per year to assist various agencies of public safety within the county.

Champaign County Sheriff Dustin Heuerman is a key supporter of the ballot measure. Heuerman emphasized that the additional funds could provide critical resources to improve emergency response, including the hiring of mental health professionals to assist law enforcement at crime scenes. In addition, the funds could also allow for the hiring of two additional deputies to serve rural areas, addressing some existing staffing shortages.

Expanded support for county services

Should the referendum pass, the additional revenue could reconfigure allocations across several county departments, including the Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC). VAC aids veterans in improving their economic well-being and quality of life.

While VAC is not directly tied to public safety, the added revenue could free up funds to expand the agency’s services to veterans.

Other agencies to benefit would include the Champaign County Public Defender’s Office, which is facing significant staffing challenges. Currently, the office requires at least 11 additional attorneys to manage the office’s legal caseload effectively. The added funding could support additional hires to ensure that the local justice system moves efficiently.

On the flip side, the added revenue could bolster the State’s Attorney’s Office, allowing funds to increase services for victims of violent crimes and improve legal representation.

Background on the Public Safety Sales Tax

Champaign County enacted the Public Safety Sales Tax in 1999, which at its current levels, raises between $6.5 million and $7 million per year.

With a growing county population and changes in the criminal justice system as a result of the SAFE-T Act, Champaign County officials feel that the existing proceeds will not sustain those same services with the end of cash bail, reduced court fines, and reduced fees. As a result, revenue for county services is declining.

As a non-home rule county, Champaign County, like many counties, is limited in its options to generate stable revenue. It is by this principle alone that county officials put forth the referendum for the proposed tax increase.

Mixed opinions on the proposed sales tax hike

While Sheriff Heuerman supports the ballot initiative, but not all local officials are in support of the sales tax hike.

Rep. Carol Ammons, an Urbana-based Democrat representing portions of Champaign County, expressed her concerns on the proposed tax hike recently.

“There is nothing progressive about taking from low-income and working people to fund law enforcement projects after financial mismanagement,” Ammons stated.

Ammons pointed out that no specific commitments have been made about how the additional $7 million would be distributed among public safety departments.

The authority on how that additional revenue is distributed will be in the hands of the Champaign County Board, which will determine the exact allocation of funds. As of publication, there is no formal plan outlined as to how the new revenue would be distributed.

Question on removing the position of County Auditor

The sales tax referendum is not the only referendum on the ballot seeking the attention of Champaign County voters.

Voters will see an issue that will ask voters:

“Shall the office of the Champaign County Auditor be eliminated, effective December 1, 2024?”

The Champaign County Board approved the resolution for the ballot in August asking voters whether or not to eliminate the office of County Auditor.

Supporters of the measure state the rationale as the anticipated cost savings of approximately $150,000 per year eliminating the office. The county intends to rely on an external auditor required by legal statute and a newly-created Finance Department to handle the functions previously overseen by the Auditor’s office.

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Jake Leonard

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Jake Leonard, a broadcast media and journalism veteran, is the editor-in-chief of Heartland Newsfeed. Leonard is also GM and program director of Heartland Newsfeed Radio Network, wrestling editor and contributing writer for Ambush Sports, a contributing writer for My Sports Vote and Midwest Sports Network, and a former contributor to Bleacher Report and Overtime Heroics. He resides at home in Nokomis, Ill. with his dog Buster.