(The Center Square) – Illinois residents already face a heavy tax burden, and now DeKalb County school districts are asking voters to raise the sales tax for schools.

Sales tax would increase by 1% in DeKalb County if voters approve the county school facility occupation tax.

John Frieders, vice chairman of the DeKalb County Board, told The Center Square that school districts in DeKalb County are struggling financially.

“As you probably know, there are a variety of financial problems in almost every school district in the state of Illinois,” Frieders said.

Frieders said he believes school boards and school inspectors have been good stewards of taxpayer money.

“I think it’s convenient to say you can always save money, but let’s face it: The opportunities to squeeze out a dollar are limited,” Frieders said.

Frieders added that he once served on a school board. He said raising the sales tax is one way to fund schools without raising property taxes.

“Property taxes, as you know, are a huge burden on landowners, whether they’re farmland owners or people who own a home or a multi-family property. They’re just a big problem,” Frieders said.

Illinois is consistently ranked by the Tax Foundation as having the highest tax burden compared to other states. On average, Illinois has the second highest property tax in the country, according to the Tax Foundation. The Tax Foundation also finds Illinois is one of the states with the highest tax burden at the local and state levels.

The county school facility occupation tax would increase sales tax but not reduce property taxes. The current maximum sales tax rate in DeKalb County is 8.25%.

A majority of school boards in DeKalb County have approved the county facility occupation tax and will put it on the ballot this fall.

The state allows districts to raise the tax at a rate of 0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75% or 1%. School districts in DeKalb are trying to push through the maximum tax increase of 1%.

Two members of DeKalb County Community Unit School District 428 said they voted for the tax increase proposal to give taxpayers the right to vote on the issue.

The measure states that all funds should be used exclusively for school facilities, school representatives and psychosocial professionals.

Election day is November 5th.