What Southern Illinoisans Need to Know about Franklin County's Proposed Sales Tax Increase | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

What Southern Illinoisans Need to Know about Franklin County's Proposed Sales Tax Increase

The significance of 1%

35
What Southern Illinoisans Need to Know about Franklin County's Proposed Sales Tax Increase
https://c1.staticflickr.com

Between the rising debt of 150 billion dollars, the lack of a defined budget for over a year, and even the struggle for the industrial north and agricultural south to compromise, Illinois has been faced with endless struggles. However, contrary to common belief, the struggles don't end at the Cook County border; the financial struggle has made itself apparent to even the smallest communities.

The Franklin County courthouse, seated at the heart of Benton's town square, has a rich history; it was built in 1875 (the first was built on 1841, but it burned down two years after), and this is obvious in the pictures; little has changed in its structure between 1875 and 2016:


(1875)

(1907)

(Present day)

As impressive as this maintenance of history is, it is notable that any building that has stood for over 100 years is going to come with some severe disadvantages; as the building deteriorates, the cost of maintenance continues to rise. It's debatable whether or not the building is worth maintaining in the first place, as it lacks sufficient space, electricity, and accommodations for those with disabilities. Along with these issues, the courthouse struggles with being a courthouse at all; the outdated design means that criminals enter through the same entrance as spectators and jurors, and the boardroom, despite not being designed to do so, is often times used as a courtroom.

Simply replacing the antiquated courthouse with a sufficient one seems to be the obvious solution, but with that resolution comes yet another problem: how is the new courthouse to be funded?

The Franklin County Board has proposed a 20-year-period in which a 1% sales tax will be utilized to fund the construction of a new courthouse. Naturally, this proposal has been opposed by a vast majority of citizens, who fear that this tax increase will drive potential customers away from local businesses and prompt them to travel longer distances for better deals.

It is notable that Franklin County's current tax rate is 7.25%-- if it is increased by 1%, the sales tax in a town such as Christopher or Benton would be almost exactly the same amount paid by consumers in much larger cities such as Carbondale and Marion.

So, what exactly are the pros and cons of this proposal being passed? One obvious pro is having a more functional courthouse; many problems with the structure and space of the building will be alleviated. However, it is likely that we would see a significant decrease in local business; the main appeal of local business is better prices and better customer service, and if the demand for lower prices is not met, people will be willing to sacrifice the one-on-one mentality of small-town shopping for the convenience of chain stores.

Voting for the referendum will commence on April 4th.

Sources:
http://www.franklincountyil.gov/salestax
http://franklincountyil.gov/sites/default/files/do...
http://franklincountyil.gov/sites/default/files/do...





Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

182853
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

9563
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

454093
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

24258
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments