Champaign County Turns to Voters to Solve Million-Dollar Shortfall

Champaign County officials are turning to voters to help decide how to close a growing budget gap, as the county grapples with a structural deficit in its general fund, where most salaries and operating costs are paid. 

On the March primary ballot, residents will see an advisory question asking whether county leaders should address the $2 million deficit by increasing taxes or by cutting positions and services. The deficit stems from state mandates and limits on property taxes.

The measure is nonbinding, so no changes will take effect immediately, but officials say the results will guide their next budget and any binding referendum later this year.

If the county sought to raise sales or property taxes in the future, either move would require a referendum.

If voters favor higher taxes, the county is considering a sales tax, excluding groceries and medicine or a property tax increase. County leaders say a successful vote in November could allow the new tax to take effect by early 2027, giving them time to collect revenue and reduce the need for layoffs or deep service reductions.

Voters are also being asked in separate advisory questions whether they would support a property tax increase or prefer reductions in county services instead. Board leaders say the questions are meant to educate residents about the county’s finances and the trade‑offs involved in each option.

The proposed language for the three nonbinding questions is as follows (answer yes or no):

1. “To address Champaign County’s General Fund structural deficit, I support an increase to the sales tax on purchases of goods (not including food and medicine) in Champaign County.”
2. “To address Champaign County’s General Fund structural deficit, I support an increase to the County’s property tax rate that could result in paying a higher property tax.”
3. “To address Champaign County’s General Fund structural deficit, I support a reduction in county services, such as fewer sheriff’s deputies, reduced hours for public service from county departments, less county highway maintenance, and/or county employee layoffs.”