Lake County Gazette

On Tuesday, April 1, voters in McLean County will have the opportunity to decide on a one-cent sales tax referendum, known as the “1% County Schools Facility Tax.” This referendum, if approved, would provide funding for school improvements such as upgrades to school safety and building repairs, as well as mental health support for students. Additionally, Tri-Valley is one of several school districts in the county whose board of education has specifically established property tax relief as a priority.

If approved, the funds would be used for:

- School Safety and Facility Improvements: Prioritizing school safety initiatives focused on enhanced security and essential system improvements.

- Student Support: Providing staff who can enhance mental health and behavioral support for students.

- Property Tax Relief: Committing one-third of new revenue to reduce the overall property tax rate in our district.

The district encourages all eligible voters to review the details of the referendum and vote on or before Election Day. Partnerships with other county schools have been formed to provide additional information.

Polling stations will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. tomorrow, Tuesday, April 1.

For Election Day voting information, including polling places, residents can visit:

- McLean County Elections

- Bloomington Election Commission

- Illinois State Board of Elections

Early voting is available until 7 p.m. tonight at designated locations: For McLean County voters (excluding the City of Bloomington), early voting is available at the McLean County Clerk’s Office. For City of Bloomington voters, early voting is available at the Bloomington Election Commission.

Tri-Valley CUSD #3 expressed gratitude towards its community saying, “Thank you for being a part of our school community. Together, we continue to provide a strong educational experience for all students. ”

McLean County hosts 12 public school districts serving over 22,000 students. The proposed one-cent tax aims to help these districts meet critical needs for safety, facility upgrades, and academic support while providing some property tax relief. School districts in McLean County are committed to providing high- quality education and ensuring a safe, supportive environment for all students.