The Village of Park Forest Board of Trustees approved a 1% home rule sales tax increase during a special meeting on March 23, with the aim of reducing dependence on property taxes and stabilizing village finances.
The new tax, which is expected to generate up to $800,000 annually, will take effect July 1 if filed with the Illinois Department of Revenue by April 1. All trustees voted in favor except Trustee Randall White, who opposed the measure.
Village Manager Jon Kindseth said the decision is part of an effort to diversify revenue sources and lessen the burden on property owners. “Currently, somewhere between 50 and 55% of our budget comes from property taxes alone,” Kindseth said. “We need to continue to build non-property tax revenues so we are not primarily reliant on that source.” He also noted that high property taxes have made it challenging for Park Forest to attract new businesses compared with neighboring communities.
With this increase, Park Forest’s total sales tax rate will match those in nearby municipalities such as Matteson, Chicago Heights, and Olympia Fields—rising to 10% in Cook County and 8% in Will County. Mayor Joseph Woods said: “There’s no advantage for the Village to leave the tax where it is. The increase is not going to be a deterrent because it brings us in line with what people are already paying in other communities.”
Supporters highlighted that about 73% of sales tax collected locally comes from non-residents using local services. Trustee John Moore said: “This is an opportunity to have people who don’t live in our community contribute to the services they use. If we’re serious about addressing property taxes, this is something we should consider.” Officials added that groceries, prescriptions, and items bought with SNAP benefits are exempt from this new tax.
Potential uses for additional revenue include offsetting costs currently paid by residents—such as possibly eliminating alarm registration fees or reducing vehicle sticker fees—and limiting future increases tied to capital projects like redevelopment efforts at facilities such as the Park Forest Aqua Center. Decisions regarding these uses will be made during upcoming budget discussions.
Trustee White voiced concerns about raising taxes before reviewing internal spending or seeking more public input: “Why don’t we look within first? Why is this the first thing that we go to?” White also questioned relying on projected revenues while considering cuts elsewhere.
Other trustees defended their decision as necessary for maintaining municipal services and financial stability. Trustee Maya Hardy pointed out board members would also be affected by any increases: “We all live here,” Hardy said. “Whatever is increased, we incur as well.” Trustee Erin Slone added: “This is what leadership looks like. We’re making a smart, informed decision that’s in the best interest of the community now and into the future.”
According to the official website, Village of Park Forest promotes community health through dedicated commissions and programs according to its official website. The village has received recognition for sustainability efforts in town planning according to its official website and aims at economic growth through collaboration according to its official website. It operates under a council-manager government featuring a mayor and six trustees according to its official website, shows leadership by supporting national climate protection agreements according to its official website, and provides educational opportunities through its Civic Leadership Academy according to its official website.
