Glen Ellyn Adds Evening Date For Food And Beverage Tax Talk

GLEN ELLYN, IL — Glen Ellyn officials have added a third date to its public community talks about a proposed tax on food and beverages. Village board members met with residents Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning to get feedback about the proposed revenue source; the third meeting is set for August 22 at 7 p.m. in the Glen Ellyn Civic Center.

The open forum discussion will cover the logistics of a proposed 1.5% tax on prepared food and beverages purchased in the village and will allow residents to weigh in. If approved, the food and beverage tax would apply to food items and drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) bought at restaurants and bars.

It would also apply to alcoholic drinks that are sold to be consumed off-site.

The proposed food and beverage tax could garner up more than $1 million annually to help fund ongoing developments throughout Glen Ellyn. The funds would aid current projects, such as the Taylor Avenue pedestrian underpass renovation, along with future plans that range from improved parking at Glen Ellyn Civic Center to streetscape updates on Roosevelt Road.

In a news release, village officials said that these and other projects are currently "underfunded and underscheduled."

After the evening meeting on August 22, the public will also be able to voice their opinion on the tax at an Aug. 27 workshop at Glen Ellyn Civic Center. The measure is scheduled for a vote at the Sept. 24 village meeting.

If approved, the 1.5% food and beverage tax will take effect starting March 2019.

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