In Lake Bluff, Illinois, George Michael says he has converted his $3 million home into a church and has received a state property tax exemption that saves him some $80,000 per year. According to Wednesday's Chicago Tribune, Michael says he was ordained online and began his Armenian Church so his disabled wife would not have to travel to Sunday services. A few close friends and family members apparently attend the church. Last year Michel transferred ownership of the house from his wife's name to the name of the Armenian Church of Lake Bluff, and opened a bank account for the church. Local officials, unhappy about the loss of tax revenue, question whether the residence is really being used as a church. They say if it is, Michael should have obtained a special use permit from the village. Operating without a permit is punishable by a fine of up to $500 per day. The village has sent Michael a bill for $115,000 in fines. It also plans to appeal the state's grant of a tax exemption to Michael.
UPDATE: The July 23 Lake Forester reported that on July 6, an Administrative Law Judge removed the religious tax exemption that had been granted by the Illinois Department of Revenue for the Michael's property.
