April 25, 2008
Illinois

Is the tax break justified?

The Tazwell County States Attorney says a company looking to build a wind farm in-between Tazewell and Logan counties could get an “unfair tax break” from the county board. Tazewell County’s Board approved an enterprise zone for Horizon Wind Energy. An enterprise zone means the company would get property tax breaks on real estate and sales taxes. Umholtz says under the law, an enterprise zone is only created in an area that needs an economic boost, like an area of extreme poverty. He says the towers would not be built in a poverty area and encouraged the board to vote against the tax breaks.

Tazewell County State’s Attorney, Stu Umholtz says, “It’s almost like talking to a child, saying everyone else is doing it, well just because everyone else is doing it doesn’t mean it’s okay to do that.”

Tazewll County Board Member Dave Zimmerman says he voted for it because it will bring in more revenue to Tazewell County. The company still has to go through the zoning board of appeals, where it could be turned down.

Reported by: Sarah Barwacz – WMBD/WYZZ TV