MADISON - ST. CLAIR RECORD

Madison County Treasurer Kurt Prenzler will host a trio of public forums this month to discuss real estate property taxes, according to news release his office issued today.

The first forum will take place on Thursday at the Edwardsville Public Library, 112 S. Kansas St., the second will on Aug. 27at the Glen Carbon Centennial Library, 198 S Main St. and the third will be on Sept. 3 at the Maryville Library, 8 Schiber Ct.

All three forums will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Prenzler said in the release that he is often asked about property taxes and thought hosting public forums would be a good way to present information to the public about his office, as well as its role in the collection and disbursement of funds.

He said his upcoming presentations will be “everything you want to know about your tax bill, but were afraid to ask.”

While he is focused on educating taxpayers about their bills, Prenzler said he believes the No. 1 thing most people want to know about is how they can lower their taxes.

“It seems like every day that someone asks me how they can reduce their property taxes,” Prenzler said. “It’s information people want to know. What can we do to reduce taxes?”

He also said he believes people want to see government reduce its spending, adding that “[m]any taxing districts continue to increase costs year after year.”

At the two upcoming forums, Prenzler will present information and take questions from those in attendance.

“The public has every right to ask a question or even complain about taxes and I want to give them this opportunity to do so,” he said.