Elgin councilman had federal tax lien

Elgin Councilman John Prigge, who is running for re-election, had a federal tax lien filed against his property.

The Internal Revenue Service's notice of federal tax lien filed in 2014 with the Kane County Recorder lists $15,103 in unpaid individual income tax balances - which could stem from taxes, penalties or interest - from 2005 through 2010.

Prigge, first elected in 2009, is self-employed as an auctioneer.

An IRS spokesman declined to answer questions, saying the agency does not comment on specific cases. "A lien secures the government's interest in your property when you don't pay your tax debt," the IRS website states.

Prigge emailed a statement to the Daily Herald.

"Just because I'm an Elgin City Council member doesn't exempt me from the same financial pressures that other small business owners face and potentially will face in our community. Nonetheless, I can assure everyone that I have done absolutely nothing illegal in the matter at issue. I have been and will continue to rectify this matter," he said.

"One of the characteristics that has marked my eight years in office is the empathy I have for individuals and small business owners struggling financially. It's one of the reasons I've always tried to hold the line on our property taxes and licensing fees. You can't outsource or automate empathy. However people decide to judge me, I stand on my record as a dedicated, hardworking council member who wants only what's best for Elgin."

According to information emailed by the IRS spokesman, "The lien is similar to a mortgage in that it does not necessarily reflect the current balance due. ... The balance may be higher due to accruals of additional penalty and interest or lower due to the subsequent payments, abatements, or other adjustments to the balance due."

When people pay off their balance, the IRS typically files a release of tax lien, a Kane County Recorder official said. A database search showed no such document as of Friday.

Prigge is among seven candidates vying for four open seats on the city council. Also running are incumbents Carol Rauschenberger, Terry Gavin and Rich Dunne, and challengers Brenda Rodgers, Corey Dixon and Brandon Yaniz.

State law forbids people in debt to a municipality from running for local office. Prigge has no outstanding debt with the city of Elgin, Chief Financial Officer Debra Nawrocki said.