Residents of McLean County will soon cast their vote on a tax that could benefit local schools.

Superintendent of Blue Ridge Schools, Dr. Hillary Stanifer explains the April election will have a referendum on the ballot for a one-percent sales tax. Although Blue Ridge Schools would not hugely benefit from this, she feels it would be a helpful boost to all the districts of McLean County. 

The amount a school district receives is prorated to the amount of students that reside in McLean County. Dr. Stanifer notes in Blue Ridge that only covers around 60 students, meaning they would receive roughly $80,000. 

This tax would not apply to all purchased goods in McLean County. Dr. Stanifer explains the tax would be on non-essential purchases like gas and pre-prepared food from a grocery store or restaurant. 

Dr. Stanifer asks anyone with questions on this tax to reach out to her, and that she would be happy to have any individual conversations. 

Several counties in central Illinois already have this sales tax in place including Logan, Macon, and Piatt Counties.