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Aldermen Put Referendum on Ballot

Macomb, IL – Macomb residents will vote in contests for county, state, and federal offices this fall. Now, they will also be asked to decide a city referendum. The question seeks voter approval to make the half-cent local option sales tax permanent. It's currently due to expire at the end of 2008. The money it generates pays for street repairs and other infrastructure work. First Ward Alderman Charles Gilbert initially argued for increasing the tax to three-quarters of a cent, but other aldermen countered that the city should take things one step at a time. They said the city first needs to make the tax permanent. If voters agree to do so, the city can later ask for permission to increase it. Aldermen eventually voted 6-0 to ask residents to make the half-cent tax permanent. You can listen to the city council's entire discussion of the issue by clicking on the audio button above.