Shoppers in Waukegan’s supermarkets and other food stores will continue to pay a 1% tax on groceries after the first of the year, as the state of Illinois phases out collecting the levy and sending the funds to local governments.

City Finance Director Juan Garcia said last month that under a new state law, Waukegan and other municipalities have to approve the 1% tax by Oct. 1 or they will lose the opportunity in the future. It will not impact shoppers who are already paying it to the state at the cash register.

The Waukegan City Council voted 8-1 to continue the grocery tax at the local level on Monday at City Hall, avoiding a $2 million dip in revenue and a potential reduction of services.

Mayor Sam Cunningham made it clear after the meeting that the council’s action was not a tax incr

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