Zion council authorizes intervention in City of Hope property tax-exemption application

The Zion City Council on Oct. 15 authorized the city to intervene in a property tax-exemption application filed by Midwest Regional Medical Center, doing business as City of Hope.

City Attorney Jimmy Vasella told the council the petition follows the same process the city used last year and asked for authority to contest the hospital’s exemption request. "What we are asking for today is our ability to contest the tax appeal exemption application for Midwest Regional Medical Center, DBA... now known as the City of Hope," Vasella said.

Administrator Nabel described the potential local impact, saying the hospital pays roughly $5,000,000 in aggregate taxes to regional taxing bodies and that the city's share of that is about $750,000 annually. "We wouldn't necessarily lose all of that," Nabel said, but he warned that a change in exemption status could shift the tax burden onto residents unless other taxing bodies adjust their levies.

Staff outlined the review process: the application is considered by the Lake County Board of Review, which issues a recommendation that is then reviewed by the Illinois Department of Revenue. Officials said the hospital submitted its application late and that the next hearing was expected in mid-November, giving staff limited time to assemble materials. Vasella said staff will again review hundreds of pages of financial documentation and use consultants where necessary.

A motion to authorize intervention was made by Commissioner Frierson and seconded by Commissioner Fisher; the clerk called the roll and recorded affirmative votes, and the motion carried.

The council did not adopt any ordinance or finalize a settlement at the meeting; officials said the city will present evidence and follow the county and state review process. The city attorney and staff said they will notify the council of upcoming hearings and requested public turnout to support the taxing bodies’ positions when appropriate.