Champaign County files motion to reconsider Carle Foundation property tax case

URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — Champaign County has not given up in a court battle with the Carle Foundation.

This week, county officials are asking the Illinois Supreme Court again to consider hearing a case over property tax exemptions. The case started in 2013, and a Champaign County judge ruled in 2020 in favor of the Carle Foundation for partial tax exemptions.

An appellate court ruled in August that Carle should get charitable tax exemptions for parcels of land between 2004 and 2011 for Carle. The Supreme Court denied hearing the appeal in March.

Carle previously argued there is no factor requiring property “to be exclusively used” for charitable purposes. The County argues that goes against the Illinois Constitution.

“The Fourth District’s erroneous reasoning may cost local governments in Champaign County, in just the present case and two other pending cases, over $10.4 million dollars — a burden which Carle and other hospitals seek to shift to local residents and businesses,” the motion to reconsider states.

A spokesperson with the Illinois Department of Revenue confirmed to WCIA that the agency is not a part of the motion to reconsider. They were on the side of the county in the past for the case.

A lawyer representing Carle in the court case declined to comment on the motion.

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