DELAVAN — The Delavan Community Unit School District 703 has joined other school districts across Tazewell County in supporting a proposed county-wide sales tax referendum aimed at providing a new source of funding for school facility improvements and safety upgrades.

Voters will be asked to decide on Tuesday, Nov. 3, whether to approve a 1% Illinois County Schools Facility Tax, commonly referred to as a one-cent sales tax. School leaders say the measure would help districts address building needs while reducing reliance on local property taxes.

According to information released by Tazewell County school districts, the proposed tax would generate funding specifically for school-related facility projects. Revenue could be used for repairs and renovations, energy-efficiency improvements, durable equipment purchases and the construction of new school buildings. The funds could also support safety and security initiatives, including fire prevention measures, life-safety improvements, school resource officers and mental health services.

District officials note that the tax would not apply to several commonly purchased items. Groceries, medications, vehicles, farm equipment, and services would remain exempt under the proposal. Supporters emphasize that these exemptions help limit the impact on residents while still creating a significant funding stream for local schools.

One of the campaign’s key arguments is that a substantial portion of the revenue would come from outside Tazewell County. Estimates indicate that nearly 60% of the tax revenue would be generated by visitors, commuters, and other non-residents who make purchases within the county.

If voters approve the referendum, the funds would remain under local control. Revenue would be distributed to each school district based on student enrollment, allowing districts such as Delavan CUSD 703 to determine how best to address their specific facility and safety needs.

In addition to funding improvements, districts could use the revenue to pay off facility bonds or help prevent future property tax increases tied to school construction and maintenance costs.

School leaders throughout Tazewell County say the proposal offers a long-term approach to modernizing educational facilities while creating safer learning environments for students and staff. The measure will appear before county voters in the November 2026 election, where residents will determine whether the one-cent sales tax becomes a new investment in local schools.