GALESBURG, Ill. — Editor's note: The video above is from Dec. 9.
A special meeting is set for Galesburg residents who want to comment on a proposed sales tax increase of 0.25%, according to an agenda released on Tuesday.
The meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday at City Hall, located at 55 W. Tompkins St.
Community members are invited to provide comments or ask questions either in person or via Google Meet. The forum will be broadcasted on Comcast channel 7 and the City's website.
Here is how residents can access the Google Meet meeting:
- Video call link: https://meet.google.com/jfv-dtyg-zsy
- Or dial: (US) +1 205-844-5189 PIN: 102 849 475#
- More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/jfv-dtyg-zsy?pin=8135626092367
There are no other items on the agenda besides the public commenting period.
What's the deal with the proposed tax?
The proposal would increase Galesburg's Home Rules Sales Tax rate from 1.00% to 1.25%. The council first read the ordinance during its Dec. 5 meeting.
Galesburg Mayor Peter Schwartzman said it would generate an additional $950,000 a year for the city.
"We are facing unmet needs. We've done a scientifically conducted survey that expressed to [the City of Galesburg], as the residents, what they want, and what they need," Schwartzman told News 8's Collin Riviello last Friday. "And they want better roads. And they want a community center."
Schwartzman's comments are based on a city-wide survey conducted earlier this year. The top three requests from Galesburg residents include attracting businesses and jobs, improving public roads and sidewalks, and increasing activities for youths.
However, not everyone is on board with the proposal.
"Every time we increase the taxes, they never take it back off," Galesburg native Donald Johnson said.
Local business owner Richard Lindstrom said the increase wouldn't affect his merchandise's prices significantly.
"Well, in our particular case, we offer a good quality product," said Lindstrom. "We offer delivery and installation. And it's one of the things where I would say probably it wouldn't make a significant difference to us."
Lindstrom owns Lindstrom's TV & Appliance, a store that's been in business for 98 years. He said he wouldn't mind paying a few cents more to help fund public projects like a community center, but the way the city introduced the proposal makes it seem like the entire plan is incomplete.