Should Frankfort Raise Its Sales Tax?

FRANKFORT, IL — At 7 percent, Frankfort has long had one of the lowest sales tax around the south suburbs. The village even touts it on its website.

"As many of our residents know, shopping in Frankfort is a bargain with a sales tax rate of only 7%," Frankfort Mayor Jim Holland states on the site. "I encourage residents and neighbors to take advantage of Frankfort's low sales tax rate … ."

But that could change as early as next year. The village is considering raising the local sales tax by 1 percent, according to the Daily Southtown. While that will still make it low in comparison to neighboring communities, it still might be a jolt to residents' wallets.

In case you're curious, here's what the local sales tax is in surrounding municipalities:

• Tinley Park: 7.75 percent (Will County); 9.75 percent (Cook County)
• Orland Park: 9.75 percent
• Matteson: 9 percent
• New Lenox: 9 percent
• Mokena: 7.5 percent

Holland told the Southtown that the reason for considering an increase is that village revenue has not kept up with operational costs. It hasn't helped that the state has decreased communities' share of income tax revenue by 10 percent, a percentage that contributed around $350,000 annually to Frankfort's coffers.

Another reason village officials are considering a sales tax hike is because they don't want raise property taxes, according to the Southtown. And here's what revenue from a higher sales tax would — and wouldn't — fund:

• Will Fund: Adding more police officers to the 29-officer department. Frankfort's force hasn't seen an increase in officers since 2001. Village services.
• Won't Fund: $60 million capital project to consolidate the village's regional sewer plant.

In order for Frankfort to raise its sales tax, the Village Board will need to approve putting it as a referendum on November's ballot. Residents would then vote on the referendum, and if passed, the new, increased sales tax would begin in January 2019.

The board is expected to discuss the possibility of a sales tax referendum during meetings later this summer, the Southtown reports. Officials have until Aug. 20 to put a referendum on the Nov. 6 ballot.

YOUR TURN: Should residents vote to increase Frankfort's sales tax? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments section.

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