The Wayne County Board held its regular monthly meeting last (Thursday) night at the Wayne County Courthouse, with much of the discussion focused on property taxes and county assessment practices.
During public comments, Mt. Erie resident Danny Seasongood questioned the constitutionality of property taxes, arguing they violate protections against taking private property without just compensation. Seasongood also criticized state spending priorities and questioned whether taxpayers are seeing improvements in roads, schools and infrastructure despite rising costs.
Another Mt. Erie resident, Kim Bullard, attended her first county board meeting and voiced concerns over the property assessment process. Bullard described issues involving missing documentation and disputed assessments tied to a beauty shop located in her garage. She also criticized the Board of Review process after witnessing an elderly resident denied assistance because paperwork had not been properly filed.
Board members responded by explaining that Wayne County receives one of the smaller portions of local property tax revenue, with approximately 70 percent going toward school districts. Officials encouraged residents to attend local school board meetings where much of the tax levy process is determined.
Discussion also revealed disparities in county property assessments. County assessor Sandy Beeson stated the east side of Wayne County is currently assessed near 97 to 98 percent, while portions of the west side remain closer to 48 percent, creating uneven tax burdens across the county.
Board members also discussed large corporate tax appeals, including ongoing concerns involving Walmart assessment challenges.
Committee reports included updates from the Wayne County Highway Department. Dennis Seidel reported the Enterprise Road project north of the Illinois 161 extension is expected to reopen today, while asphalt work north of Keenes is scheduled to begin sometime between mid-June and July.
Wayne County Sheriff, Chris Otey reported the jail will soon receive a new grant-funded scanner system designed to monitor inmate vital signs and help prevent overdose deaths. Otey said the system’s annual $2,000 operating cost will be paid through inmate commissary funds rather than taxpayer dollars.
County Clerk, LizAnn Woodrow reported her office continues work on tax levies and recently deposited approximately $28,000 in election-related grant funding.
Treasurer, Yvette Anderson told the board renovations to the main office are complete and mobile home tax bills have been mailed.
The building and grounds committee reported courthouse air conditioning systems are operational and identified roofing repairs needed for the courthouse gazebo. The board also approved Phase 15 courthouse renovation work by Hayes Heating and Cooling at a cost of approximately $25,000.
In other business, the board authorized Sheriff Otey to negotiate the sale of a county-owned chiller unit to J.E. Shekell Heating & Cooling of Evansville, Indiana.