Title/Name/Summary
A RESOLUTION IN OPPOSITION TO THE PROPOSED INCREASE IN THE COOK COUNTY SALES TAX FROM 0.75% TO 2.75%
Body
WHEREAS, The current sales tax rate with the Cook County portion of Orland Park is 8.50% and the Cook County Board of Commissioners is currently considering a two percent increase in the county portion of this rate; and
WHEREAS, Orland Park is bordered on two sides by Will County where the sales tax rate in nearby communities is between 6.5% and 7.0%; and
WHEREAS, retail purchases made via the internet are subject to no sales taxes; and
WHEREAS, In the previous fiscal year which ended on September 30, 2007 there were approximately $2 billion dollars in retail sales in Orland Park which were subject to sales taxes; and
WHEREAS, Orland Park businesses generated approximately $15 million dollars in sales taxes used to support Cook County government during this time period; and
WHEREAS, In addition to the existing sales tax differential between Cook and the collar counties, commercial property taxes are approximately sixty-seven percent higher than that in neighboring Will County; and
WHEREAS, the Legislature of the State of Illinois is also considering increasing the retail sales tax dedicated to the Regional Transportation Authority by 0.25%; and
WHEREAS, the Corporate Authorities of the Village of Orland Park are greatly concerned that this tax would only serve to drive retail shoppers to purchase more goods outside of Cook County and via the internet resulting in a negative impact on the local economy;
THEREFORE NOW BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CORPORATE AUTHORITIES OF THE VILLAGE OF ORLAND PARK, COOK AND WILL COUNTIES:
The Corporate Authorities, acting on behalf of the residents, businesses and taxpayers of Orland Park, The Village of Orland Park, strongly oppose the proposed two percent increase in the Cook County sales tax to avoid having one of the highest sales tax rates in the United States; and
Strongly urge all Cook County municipalities to join in objecting to this tax increase and urge the Cook County Board of Commissioners to vote no on this proposal.