Adams County Voters Deliver Resounding Rejection of 1% School Sales Tax
QUINCY, Ill. Adams County voters delivered a decisive answer Tuesday to a proposal that would have imposed a new 1% countywide sales tax for local schools, overwhelmingly rejecting the measure at the ballot box.
With 13,220 votes (55%) voting against the proposal and 10,899 votes (45%) voting in favor, voters sent a clear message that they were not prepared to add another percentage point of sales tax to qualifying purchases throughout Adams County.
The referendum would have created a County School Facility Sales Tax, generating an estimated $11.9 million annually for public school districts throughout Adams County. Revenue could have been used for school facilities, school resource officers and mental health professionals.
Supporters argued the tax would have provided a significant new source of revenue for aging school buildings, safety improvements and student services while collecting money from visitors who shop in Adams County.
Opponents, however, questioned whether residents should be asked to shoulder another tax at a time when household expenses remain a concern. Critics also called for school districts to more closely examine existing spending before seeking additional revenue from taxpayers.
Tuesday’s result settled that debate, at least for now.
A majority “Yes” vote was required for the tax to take effect. Instead, Adams County voters rejected the proposal by a substantial margin, leaving the existing sales tax structure unchanged.
The outcome means school districts throughout the county will now have to look elsewhere for funding to address the facility, staffing and financial concerns that helped drive the referendum campaign.
For months, the proposal generated considerable public discussion throughout Quincy and surrounding communities. Supporters organized a campaign emphasizing investment in local schools, while opponents questioned the cost, permanence and need for a new tax.
When voters finally had the opportunity to decide, the answer was unmistakable.
Adams County said no to the new 1% school sales tax.
