Knox Co. Board approves tax levy, budget, changes to liquor licenses fee

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The Knox County Board approved the fiscal year 2020-2021 budget and tax levy at their meeting on Tuesday night.

Board members approved a tax levy of $11,284,761 and, with increases in the equalized assessed valuation of the county, would mean a decrease in the expected tax rate for property owners.

Additionally, because of the Coronavirus pandemic, the county needed to shave $2.6 million from the budget to keep the books balanced, which they were able to do.

Board member Jared Hawkinson congratulated the board, staff, and administrators for eliminating the deficit without laying off anyone to balance the books.

“We haven’t had the need to layoff like [they have in] neighboring counties. I know things are going to get tough before they get better. But to find 2.6 million dollars and try to continue the services that the county provides. I think that’s a stellar opportunity and stellar job by everybody involved.”

The projected tax rate will be $1.30 per every $100 of assessed value. That is a decrease from the previous year of $1.32.

In other action from Tuesday night, the board approved a directive to waive the liquor license fees for establishments but with stipulations.

Back in April, the county board approved waiving the fees to bars and restaurants for six months to help relieve some of the economic burdens on them as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Knox County Finance Committee Chair, David Amor, told the board that the fees would be waived for liquor license orders if they follow Governor J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Public Health’s mandates.

“We would continue to waive that for liquor license holders that are following the Governor’s mandates, with respect to the COVID. But that those who are not following that mandate, we would levy the fee.”

Board documents say that should an establishment not follow the public health directives or mandates, then the County shall reinstate the fees for a liquor license and charge the establishment on a pro-rated fee up to the last four months cost for the license.

Should the establishment charged have video gambling devices, the fee for the County’s video gambling license will also be charged.

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