Monee Implements Local Grocery Tax to Replace Expired State Tax

Village of Monee Board Meeting | August 27, 2025

Article Summary:
In response to the state of Illinois eliminating the grocery tax, the Monee Village Board approved an ordinance implementing a municipal grocery tax. Officials emphasized this is not a new cost to consumers but a continuation of the previous tax to ensure revenue stays within the village.

Grocery Tax Ordinance Key Points:

• Ordinance Passed: The board approved Ordinance #2096, implementing a Municipal Grocery Retailers’ Occupation Tax.

• Revenue Retention: The tax ensures the village continues to receive revenue previously collected by the state, rather than losing it to surrounding communities where residents shop.

• Consumer Impact: Officials stated the tax rate remains consistent with what consumers were already paying under the state tax.

• Exemptions: Purchases made with SNAP and other food assistance programs are exempt from this tax.

The Monee Village Board on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, voted to adopt Ordinance #2096, establishing a municipal grocery tax. The decision follows the state of Illinois’ move to eliminate the statewide grocery tax, leaving it up to individual municipalities to implement their own if they wish to maintain that revenue stream.

Trustee Michael Wilson expressed that while he typically opposes taxes, he viewed this measure as necessary to protect the village’s financial interests.

“This is not a new tax. This is the state ended the grocery tax. They put it on the municipalities,” Wilson said. “We’re going to other towns right now to shop in grocery stores… and we’re paying the other towns that tax. So, let’s have ourselves set up so that when we do get that grocery store, we have an avenue to collect that revenue.”

Mayor Dr. Therese Bogs and trustees noted that Monee has a significant transient population that utilizes local services. Capturing revenue from non-residents passing through the village was cited as a key benefit.

“It is I feel too important to note that this does not impact any of our very vulnerable residents because purchases made with any SNAP and other food assistance is not part of this tax,” Trustee Heidi Gonzalez said.

The motion to approve the ordinance passed unanimously.