Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Tax Ballot Measure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council votes to place property tax‑credit measure on April ballot; state office flags potential county cost
Summary
The council approved an ordinance to place a tax‑credit measure on the April 7, 2026 ballot. County administration said the Office of Administration has questioned whether placing the measure is an unfunded mandate and may cost the county roughly $150,000 to administer the ballot question if the state requires payment.
The St. Charles County Council voted on Sept. 8 to place a proposed tax‑credit measure on the Tuesday, April 7, 2026 municipal ballot that would authorize a program limiting real property tax liability on qualifying homesteads.
Bill 54‑13 passed on a roll‑call vote after administration warned the council the state Office of Administration had sent a letter asserting the county may face an unfunded mandate to administer the measure. County staff said they are preparing a response to the state and that if the state requires the county to cover costs associated with the measure appearing on the ballot, the local cost would be about $150,000.
County Executive remarks noted the county would pursue clarification and, if necessary, pay the cost to get the question before voters. “We are preparing a response to try to convince them that, in fact, it should [not be an unfunded mandate],” administration said, but cautioned the expense could be material.
The ordinance as introduced will place the authorizing language on the April 7 ballot; if voters approve, the program’s implementation details and any fiscal responsibilities would be part of subsequent ordinance and budget decisions.
Ending: Administration will continue discussions with the state Office of Administration and report back to the council on whether the county must fund the ballot placement and the next steps for a voter‑approved tax‑credit program.
