PIKE COUNTY, Ill. (WGEM) - A property tax increase public hearing led to debates among county officials.

What was supposed to be a public hearing about a 9% county property tax increase turned into a debate between county officials over how much money the budget deficit was.

“As far as the money issue is, there was a little over half a million dollars that was appropriated last year, that there was no way we were going to get it,” said County Treasurer Scott Syrcle.

Several figures were tossed around by officials over the deficit with some saying it was around half a million dollars and others saying it was over one million.

“We’re asking taxpayers to fork over more money, and we don’t know the actual numbers because we’re staring at funds that say $36 million. Those are a little conce

See Full Page