Putnam County Ruling Has People Worried About Tax Loophole

MARK, Ill. (AP) – A property tax ruling over a fuel company in Putnam County has worried Chicago-area officials that companies will flee to avoid taxes.

A Putnam County judge ruled in January that Hartney Fuel Oil Co.,  with sales of $200 million a year, had its sales office in the village  of Mark. There are no local sales taxes in Mark. Hartney has a longtime office in west suburban Forest View and Cook County wanted to collect the taxes. The state of Illinois is appealing the judge’s decision.

Meanwhile in Springfield some see a widening loophole that could cost millions of dollars for local governments.
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle says it could further decrease the tax base and jeopardize funding for critical resources.