The Delavan Community Unit School District #703 Board of Education voted this week to join several other Tazewell County school districts in supporting the placement of a County School Facility Sales Tax referendum on an upcoming ballot. The vote signals growing regional momentum behind a funding mechanism that many Illinois counties have adopted to address long‑term school facility needs without relying solely on property taxes.

The County School Facility Sales Tax—authorized under Illinois law—allows counties (except Cook County) to impose up to a 1% sales tax, in quarter‑percent increments, dedicated exclusively to school facility purposes. The tax applies only to items already subject to regular sales tax. It does not apply to groceries, prescription and non‑prescription medicines, vehicles, or other titled/registered items.

Under state statute, the tax can only be placed on the ballot after school boards representing more than 50% of the county’s student enrollment pass supporting resolutions. Once that threshold is met, the Regional Superintendent certifies the question to election authorities, and voters ultimately decide whether the tax is implemented.

Supporters emphasize that revenue from the tax may be used only for capital improvements—such as building repairs, additions, safety upgrades, energy efficiency projects, or new construction—or to retire existing facility‑related debt. Funds cannot be used for salaries, textbooks, buses, or other operating expenses.

District #703 officials noted that the sales tax would provide a more diversified revenue stream for maintaining and improving school buildings, many of which face aging infrastructure needs. Because the tax is collected countywide and distributed to districts based on student enrollment, every public school district in Tazewell County would receive a share of the revenue.

Advocates also point to the potential for long‑term property tax relief. By using sales tax revenue to pay for major facility projects or retire bonds, districts can reduce their reliance on property tax levies for capital needs. “This tool gives communities a way to shift some of the burden off local property owners while still addressing critical facility priorities,” one board member said during the meeting.

If placed on the ballot and approved by voters, the tax would be administered by the Illinois Department of Revenue and distributed monthly to participating districts.

With its vote, Delavan CUSD #703 joins a growing coalition of Tazewell County districts seeking to give voters the option to consider the measure. The timeline for potential ballot placement will depend on when the countywide enrollment threshold is met and when the Regional Superintendent certifies the question.