After the Cook County Board voted over the weekend to double the county's sales tax rate to 1.75 percent, Chicagoans found themselves about to pay the highest sales tax rate of any major city in the nation: 10.25 percent.
The measure goes into effect in November. The 1.75 percent rate will be combined with the city sales tax for goods purchased in Chicago. The city will then lead the nation in sales tax rates, ahead of Memphis, at 9.25 percent, the next highest in the country, according to the Associated Press.
The extra taxes are projected to add about $426 million annually to the county treasury. The County Board approved the budget on a 10-7 vote, allowing Cook County to avoid court action to prevent its government offices from shutting down.
The extra funds will also allow the county to close a projected $234 million deficit and hire more than 1,000 new employees.
