Prenzler proposes putting PTELL on November ballot

EDWARDSVILLE — The Madison County Board has been asked to consider placing a property tax limit question on the November ballot.
Chairman Kurt Prenzler formally asked the board on Wednesday to consider a measure involving the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law, known as PTELL.

“Property taxes are out of control,” Prenzler said. “I want to give the voters an opportunity to do something about it.”

He said taxpayers “deserve relief.”

The Government Relations Committee will consider the measure next month before it can be brought back to the full County Board for a vote.
PTELL started in 1991 and it’s in effect in 39 counties. In April 1999, Madison County voters rejected a referendum to enact PTELL.

There are more than 220 districts in the county with the power to levy taxes.

According to the Illinois Department of Revenue, PTELL “is designed to limit the increases in property tax extensions (total taxes billed) for non-home rule taxing districts.”

PTELL’s intentions are to limit the growth of property taxes. It caps the total dollar amount certain property taxes may increase from year to year — only by CPI (Consumer Price Index) or 5 percent, whichever is less. Increases beyond that require voter approval.

Prenzler said he knows some will oppose PTELL.

“Property taxes are a complex issue — often pitting taxpayers against jurisdictions,” he said. “But it’s one tool in the toolbox, and taxpayers should have the choice whether to use this tool or not.”