Whiteside County shoppers will be paying more at the register beginning in 2015.
On Tuesday, November 4, 51 percent of Whiteside County voters chose to increase the county's sales tax by one percent. The revenue generated from the extra one percent will provide funding for facility upgrades to the county's schools.
"Every year there is something that needs to be done," said Bob Sondgeroth, Whiteside County School's Regional Superintendent. "There are roofs that need to be put on, there are heating systems that need to be replaced."
Here's how it works: Revenue earned from the extra one percent will be divided among Whiteside County's schools. Schools with more students will receive a bigger share, and smaller schools will receive less funding.
Sondgeroth said the area's schools are estimated to receive anywhere from $200,000 to $1 million a year, depending on the number of students.
The increased tax will benefit schools, but some of Whiteside County's small businesses owners are unsure if the increase will hurt business.
Business owner Bryce Mead of Mead's Bike Shop in Sterling said the increased sales tax could impact his business's net earnings.
"It could impact how many accessories we sell," the former professional cyclist said.
The local-owned bike shop sells bicycles, helmets, shoes and clothing just to name a few. Those potential lost sales could add up, especially in the winter when Mead has to cut back on workers due to slow traffic.
Pending the Illinois Department of Revenue's review, the increased tax could go into effect on January 1, 2015. Schools wouldn't receive the funds until April, 2015.