Madison County board votes to eliminate Real Estate Tax Cycle Committee, transfer duties to Finance Committee

MADISON COUNTY, Ill. — The Madison County Board voted 22–1 on Wednesday to eliminate the Real Estate Tax Cycle Committee and transfer its responsibilities to the Finance and Government Operations Committee.

Chairman Kurt Prenzler presented the resolution to consolidate oversight of the county’s real estate tax cycle, telling members that the move was about “efficiency in one word.” The resolution says duties being transferred include oversight of the County Assessment Office, liaison work with the Board of Review and the County Trustee, and approving expenditures under purchasing ordinances.

Board member Michael Holliday asked for clarification about what the change would mean for committee membership and whether duties were being concentrated, saying, “Can you explain why?” Prenzler and supporters said the Finance committee can absorb the duties because of similar responsibilities already assigned to it. Mr. Foster moved the resolution and Mr. Hankins seconded the motion.

The roll call recorded 22 ayes and one nay (Holliday). The resolution states that all responsibilities of the Real Estate Tax Cycle Committee “shall be immediately transferred” and that the Tax Cycle Committee “shall be and is eliminated.” The resolution takes effect on adoption.

Those opposing the change raised procedural questions during the floor discussion but no amendment or substitute motion was offered. The board did not vote to create a transition timeline in the motion; the resolution directs the transfer to occur immediately.

The board recessed afterward and will meet again Nov. 17, 2021 to address the property tax levy. No other formal follow-up actions were recorded in the meeting minutes concerning reassignments of individual committee memberships.