Metro East Sun

Madison County gave property owners a two-month grace period for their first property tax payment to help people struggling with the economic impact of COVID-19.

County Treasurer Chris Slusser said late penalties will be waived for taxes due on July 9 if payments are received by Sept. 9. 

Property owners using escrow payments from mortgage companies and banks are not eligible for the waiver.

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“We understand that people are struggling; some are temporarily unemployed and local businesses are losing lots of revenue. So, we looked for ways to give struggling taxpayers a break,” Slusser told RiverBender.com. “Unfortunately, we can’t discount or abate real estate taxes, but we can give people a little more time if they’re facing a hardship.”

The majority of property tax revenue is distributed to local schools.The county treasurer contacted school superintendents to tell them of his plans so they can adjust to a delay in receiving funds. 

“They understand we’re in unprecedented times, and they have time to prepare for the delay,” Slusser told RiverBender.com.

While Illinois statutes require approval by the County Board, members of the Finance Committee say they'll pass a resolution in May.

“These are unprecedented times that call for creative solutions like Mr. Slusser’s,” Tom McRae, a member of the committee, told RiverBender.com.

David Michael, another finance committee member, agreed.

“Many of the families who will take advantage of this have suffered a lot already due to these closures,” Michael told RiverBender.com. "The least we can do is provide a little more flexibility with their property tax payments to ease some of their burden."

The county treasurer said property owners will not need to fill out hardship waiver forms, and he asked that those who can pay on time do so.

“We’ll operate on the honor system,” Slusser said.