District 203 to continue tax talks with Edward

Naperville Unit District 203 officials Monday night will again discuss their options for repaying more than $2.2 million to Edward Hospital.

According to DuPage County Treasurer Gwen Henry, District 203 owes Edward $2,234,107.90 as a result of a new law that allows nonprofit hospitals to be exempt from local property taxes if they can show they have done charitable work equal to or more than the property taxes they would otherwise owe. The changes also allow hospitals to claim property tax refunds for the three years prior to the law’s passage.

Though the move to recoup the money is legal, some district officials have bristled at the hospital’s attempts to collect.

Board member Susan Crotty asked whether the district could make the payments “under protest,” while board member Mike Jaensch was more emphatic and said the hospital was “taking money from our kids.”

Superintendent Dan Bridges has been meeting with hospital officials to negotiate an alternate deal or more flexible payment plan. He will present his update to board members at 7 p.m. at the district’s administration center, 203 W. Hillside Road.