The Bloomington City Council will take up three key issues at its meeting Monday, Sept. 22, including whether to keep the city’s 1% grocery tax, expand video gaming licenses, and provide financial relief to downtown businesses affected by Streetscape construction.
The discussion over the grocery tax comes as Illinois’ statewide 1% levy is set to expire on Jan. 1, 2026. More than 600 municipalities have chosen to continue the tax locally. City officials say Bloomington faces a projected $1.5 million budget shortfall if the tax is not extended. They argue that keeping the tax would close the deficit and fund long-delayed capital projects, while the average household would pay less than $10 per month. Purchases with SNAP and WIC benefits would remain exempt.
“We know no one likes taxes, and we do not make this recommendation lightly,” City Manager Jeff Jurgens said. “But maintaining this modest 1% tax allows us to protect services and move forward with investments that strengthen our entire community.”
The Council will also consider raising the cap on video gaming licenses from 60 to 75, opening the door for 12 businesses currently on the waiting list to apply. Supporters say the move could generate new tax revenue, create jobs, and ensure fairness for qualified businesses.
A third item on the agenda is a temporary sales tax rebate program designed to help downtown businesses through Streetscape construction. Eligible businesses could receive a 50% rebate on the city’s share of sales tax for up to 12 months.
“Downtown Bloomington is seeing a level of investment we’ve never experienced before, and we want to make sure our businesses are supported through this transition,” Mayor Dan Brady said.
The Bloomington Township meeting begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by the regular council meeting at 6 p.m. Both will be live-streamed on the city’s YouTube channel.
