The Illinois Supreme Court considered a case Thursday that asks whether not-for-profit hospitals have to pay property taxes. The case involves Urbana-based Carle hospital and clinics — though it could affect health systems across Illinois. At issue is the constitutionality of a state law that exempts not-for-profit hospitals from paying property tax.

The 4th District Appellate Court Monday denied requests for a stay of the ruling that threw out a state law that denied property tax exemptions to Illinois hospitals based on their charity care.  Those requests were sought by the Carle health system and Illinois Department of Revenue.  Carle and Presence Hospitals may file a lawsuit as a result.

The Champaign County Board of Review is leaving properties owned by Urbana's two hospitals on the property tax rolls, for now.  But an attorney representing both the Carle health system and Presence Covenant says the 3-member panel shouldn't make this decision without 'waiting for the legal dust to clear.'