Jersey County Imposes New Tax On Short Term Rentals

JERSEYVILLE – Short term rental properties across Jersey County will be subject to a new 5% tax after recent County Board approval of certain Hotel and Motel Tax changes.

Jersey County Board members approved a recommendation from the county’s Legislative Committee to codify changes to the Hotel and Motel Tax Ordinance on April 16, 2026. County Board Member Jeremy Beasley cast the sole vote against codifying the changes.

County Board Chairman Gary Krueger said Jersey County will start levying a 5% tax on all short term rental properties operating in the county, as is currently imposed on hotels and motels across the county. He added that this change aims to align the County Code of Ordinances with Illinois state law.

County Board Member Edward Keonig questioned how the county would enforce this new tax and know who is operating short term rentals. Regarding the owners of these properties, Krueger said county officials may need to “track them down,” but indicated there are methods for doing so without the need for additional manpower or funding.

Board Member Jarrod Hayes said the City of Grafton lists all available short term rentals on its tourism website, which would help the county with its enforcement efforts. At the time of this writing, a total of 58 lodging options are listed on the website for Grafton, including several bed and breakfasts, guest houses, and cabins.

The updated ordinance defines a “short-term rental” as “any room, dwelling unit, residence, house, apartment, condominium, or other lodging accommodation offered for rent or lease for less than 30 consecutive days.” Certain “hosting platforms” for short term rentals, including Airbnb, Vrbo, and others, have been subject to the state’s Hotel Operators’ Occupation Tax since July of 2025.

The ordinance also requires short-term rental operator to register with the Jersey County Treasurer in the same manner as hotel and motel operators.

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