02/12/2026
Transparency Behind the Motion:
When a County Board receives information about the potential, alleged, or apparent manipulation of valuations, favoritism towards certain taxpayers, acts under a conflict of interest, or violations of assessment laws, it is crucial to address these allegations. Such claims may be supported by public comments, public complaints, Tax Review Board decisions, PTAB decisions, and independent tax studies indicating that public complaints are valid.
In my opinion, the Illinois Property Tax Code designates the IDOR or IL AG as the appropriate oversight and disciplinary authority over the SOA and assessors. This allows the County Board to refer issues in order to provide transparency to taxpayers, ensure oversight of the property tax system, and find solutions to the overall issues raised while legally reducing liability for the county as a whole.
One question asked during the meeting was whether I want the SOA arrested or charged. My answer is no. My intent is to highlight that we have identified violations of the law, and the residents of the county, who are adversely affected, are seeking recourse. There is confusion at the board level regarding who is responsible for what is being done or failing to be done for accountability in assessments at the township and county levels. That to me should be referred to subject matter expert of property tax system and elected office holders duties and responsibilities.
We have spent approximately $15,000 on a study to determine if a problem exists, which it does, confirming both public & Business complaints and complaints from a city. Additionally, we have appropriated $750,000 intended for our public safety in a world of ever increasing risks, emergency and disasters. However, three months have passed since the study, and still no action has been taken to correct any issues.
There is potential for Manufacturing and Technology job booms due to Trump’s Tarriffs and National projects. We are 98/102 counties for the worse disparities(not done every 4 years for every one)for assessing properties, profoundly bias in under assessing properties of high value compared to their value, and no uniform systems to complete assessments efficiently in 2026, the age of technology! When we look back and see production and jobs go everywhere but Marion county this will be the #1 reason why!
The problem needs addressed immediately, you cannot correct it untill you identity the conditions that caused it and change the conditions.
https://southernillinoisnow.com/2026/02/11/marion-county-board-to-ask-for-investigation-of-supervisor-of-assessments
On an 8 to 5 vote, the Marion County Board is asking for Marion County Supervisor of Assessments Mark Miller t...
