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County Council sets 2026 tax rates; personal property rate set to zero
Summary
St. Charles County Council approved Bill No. 5511, freezing real estate rates at 2025 levels and setting the county personal property tax rate to zero in a 6–1 vote; Collector Michelle McBride said the move balances taxpayer relief with protecting road, bridge and dispatch funding.
St. Charles County Council approved Bill No. 5511 on July 27, 2026, establishing the county's tax levies for 2026. The measure, which passed on a 6–1 roll call vote with Councilman Terry Hollander absent, sets the county personal property tax rate to zero while maintaining real estate tax rates at the same levels as 2025.
Collector of Revenue Michelle McBride urged the council to approve the bill, saying it provides direct relief to households while preserving funding for core services. McBride said the change "would relieve taxpayers while preserving funding for road and bridge and dispatch and alarm funds" and that county systems work was already underway to implement the change without disrupting residents' bills. The bill passed after the public hearing and council consideration.
The vote was recorded as: Councilman Matt Swanson — yes; Councilman Joe Brazil — yes; Councilman Mike Elam — yes; Councilman Dave Hammond — yes; Councilman Terry Hollander — absent; Councilwoman Patti York — yes; Councilman Tim Baker — yes. The ordinance takes effect as provided within the bill's language and maintains the county's existing revenue streams for designated funds while eliminating the county portion of personal property levy for this year.
