Residents in North Aurora in the March 19 primary election will vote on a proposal to hike the sales tax in the village to help fund future projects.

If approved, the village’s sales tax would go from 0.5% to 1%, officials said.

The local sales tax is a primary source of funding for the village’s capital projects budget, which funds projects such as roads, sidewalks, sewers and other public improvements, according to village officials.

An increase in the tax would provide additional funding for annual capital programs and future projects, such as a new Public Works facility which is currently being designed and is expected to cost approximately $17.6 million, according to officials.

“We’ve held a couple of forums at the Village Hall and the first time I think one person came and next time there was one or two more who asked about why we needed it and what’s it for,” North Aurora Village President Mark Gaffino said. “We’re looking for a new Public Works building and this will certainly help us move forward with that.”

Gaffino said that, if approved, the increased sales tax would not put the additional tax burden solely on residents, since everyone purchasing items in the village, no matter where they are from, would pay the tax.

“We really don’t want to raise utility taxes and things just for our residents but we all felt that this tax will be shared by outsiders from our community,” he said.

Gaffino said the new tax would not apply to a list of items including pharmaceuticals, some food items and vehicle sales.

North Aurora Village Administrator Steve Bosco said the village has worked to get information out about the tax hike referendum through the village’s website and public meetings.

“We have a website with a whole bunch of information that shows how our tax compares to Geneva, St. Charles, Montgomery and a whole bunch of other towns,” he said.

Bosco said the village has “tried to do a really good public information campaign and tried to draw people to open houses at the village hall and explain the referendum and its purpose.”

Flyers have also been sent out, Bosco said, and a village newsletter included responses to frequently asked questions about “why we’re doing it.”

“We’re doing everything we can to get the word out so people understand what it means and what it’s for,” he said. “This could pay for a Public Works building that we’re still designing, but we’re actually looking at capital programs in general. It could be for a new facility, future capital projects and not just the Public Works building. It’s for capital projects in general.”

For more information about the referendum question, go to www.northaurora.org/sales-tax-referendum/

David Sharos is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.