During the recent Lake Barrington Board of Trustees meeting held on July 1, 2025, significant discussions centered around the impact of online sales tax and the local economy's recovery post-COVID-19. The meeting highlighted the growing trend of online pharmacies and the implications of taxing prescription drugs, a practice that sets Illinois apart from many other states.

Trustees noted that Illinois is one of the few states that imposes taxes on prescription drugs, which has contributed to a notable increase in retail sales tax revenue. For the fiscal year 2024 to 2025, the village reported an increase of approximately $46,000 in retail sales tax compared to the previous year. This growth reflects a broader trend of consumers shifting towards online shopping, particularly for pharmaceuticals.

The board discussed the importance of this revenue stream, emphasizing that online sales tax is becoming a more significant component of the village's overall tax income. While the increase in online sales tax is promising, there were concerns about the potential reciprocal drop in local sales, which could affect brick-and-mortar businesses.

Additionally, the meeting touched on the village's support for local businesses, including financial participation in signage construction for a new showroom. This initiative aims to bolster local commerce and enhance visibility for businesses in the area.

Overall, the discussions at the meeting underscored the village's commitment to adapting to changing consumer behaviors and supporting local businesses as they navigate the evolving economic landscape. The board plans to continue monitoring these trends and their implications for the community in future meetings.