PEORIA, Ill. — The Peoria County Board has unanimously passed a special COVID-19 plan to allow taxpayers to split payments of their first real estate tax installment.
Instead of 100% of the first installment being due on June 9, payers could choose to pay as little as 50% of it on that day, and then the rest of it on Aug. 10. The second installment would still be due Sept. 9.
Treasurer Nicole Bjerke said there were three options.
“One option was to do nothing, which would benefit the taxing districts, but offer no real relief to the taxpayers,” she said.
“In good conscience, and recognizing there are individuals and businesses struggling tremendously with the economic impact, I absolutely could not do that.”
Another option was to delay the first installment payment 30 to 60 days.
“I reached out to multiple taxing districts in Peoria County that rely on tax revenue to provide essential services to the residents of Peoria County,” she said.
“Some of these taxing districts include house first responders, such as firemen, policemen, and sheriff’s deputies, and include numerous schools that are still educating our children and providing lunches to kids who may not otherwise have a stable source of food.
“While a few said they would be okay with a 30-day delay but not a 60-day delay, the majority said a delay would be devastating to them and their budgets.”
Bjerke said taxpayers paying by credit card or e-check through the Peoria County website will have to pay in full, as the system does not allow for half-payments.
Paper checks will still be accepted at the clerk’s office.
