Will County Gazette

The City of Joliet is considering an ordinance to maintain its local 1% grocery sales tax after the State of Illinois repealed the statewide version. The proposal will be discussed at the upcoming regular City Council meeting on Tuesday.

Governor JB Pritzker signed Public Act 103-0781 into law on August 5, 2024, which eliminates the state’s 1% grocery tax as of January 1, 2026. This change affects cities like Joliet that have relied on this revenue since the tax was first introduced in 1991. Without action from the city council, Joliet stands to lose about $3.7 million each year—funds that currently support essential municipal services.

Joliet is not alone in its response; dozens of other communities in Will County and more than 425 municipalities across Illinois have taken similar steps to keep their own grocery taxes in place and ensure continued funding for key services such as police, fire protection, street repairs, and snow removal.

Finance Director Kevin Sing commented on the importance of maintaining this source of income: “The 1% grocery tax has been in place for decades,” said Finance Director Kevin Sing. “Joliet, like many communities across Illinois, relies on the grocery tax as a consistent, reliable source of funding. Preserving this funding locally ensures we can continue investing in critical services. As we enter our 2026 budget process, the elimination of this revenue will have a negative impact on our ability to fund these critical services while continuing the City’s commitment to resurface local roads and sidewalk replacements,” added Sing.

While consumers pay only $1 per $100 spent on groceries under this tax, it provides a stable and predictable revenue stream for Joliet’s most important functions due to steady year-round purchasing patterns.

Grocery items bought with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits or other assistance programs remain exempt from this local tax measure. This exemption aims to protect low-income households while still supporting broader community needs.

Joliet is located southwest of Chicago and serves as county seat for Will County. According to the most recent census data, it is Illinois’ third largest city with a population exceeding 150,000 residents. More information about Joliet can be found at https://www.joliet.gov.