Illinois town creates sales-tax district for business growth

PINCKNEYVILLE, Ill. (AP) - Leaders in the small southern Illinois town of Pinckneyville hope to add to the local business base by expanding an area where some sales taxes benefit commercial infrastructure.

According to the Southern Illinoisan in Carbondale (http://bit.ly/25aIixW ), City Council members voted recently to almost double the size of the 278-acre business district. Businesses in the district charge an extra 1 percent sales tax that is dedicated to business-related improvements.

The money can be used on street improvements and other work. But businesses can also apply for grants to spruce up buildings.

Former Pinckneyville Mayor Joe Holder says he hopes the move by the current council will bring more businesses to town. He regularly drives out of town to buy things he cannot find in the town of 5,500.

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Information from: Southern Illinoisan, http://www.southernillinoisan.com