The Village Board of Hanover Park on April 17 debated an ordinance that would add a municipal grocery retailers occupational tax to the village code but ultimately voted to pull the item from the agenda and schedule a workshop for further review.

The ordinance, described by Village President Rodney S. Craig as “not a tax increase” and intended as a sustainment measure to replace state-provided grocery-related revenue, prompted prolonged discussion about local budget projections and household impacts. Craig said the change would preserve roughly $500,000–$700,000 in annual revenue the village could otherwise lose.

Board members and a member of the public spoke at length about the item’s timing and effect. Resident Tom Clark, who addressed the board during the meeting’s town-hall portion, said he looked forward to the discussion and hoped trustees would weigh in; his remarks were taken up again during the ordinance debate. Several trustees said they wanted more time to workshop the proposal and to consider measures that would reduce pressure on residents facing higher grocery costs.

Trustees expressed different priorities. Some cited the potential budget shortfall the village would face without the revenue; others framed the question in terms of household hardship and economic uncertainty. One trustee urged the board to “lead with love” and consider alternatives that might relieve residents’ immediate needs while closing budget gaps.

After discussion the board voted on a motion to remove the ordinance from the agenda and convene a workshop to examine the proposal further. The motion passed by majority vote; one trustee recorded a no vote during roll call. The board discussed holding that workshop before the next regular meeting or at a date to be determined and reiterated that the item could be revisited during the village’s normal budget process.

The measure would have amended Chapter 94 of the municipal code by adding new articles to create municipal grocery retailers and service occupational taxes; the board did not take a final vote on the ordinance and no effective date was established.

Board members said the item will return for additional discussion at a later date and asked staff to plan a workshop that allows public input and detailed fiscal modeling.

(Ending) The board set no specific date in open session for the workshop; trustees said staff will coordinate a date and notice it to the public, and the ordinance will remain on hold until the board has had a chance to review additional materials.