SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Supreme Court this morning affirmed a state Appellate Court ruling that determined Provena Covenant Medical center is taxable.

The ruling was a victory for the Champaign County Board of Review and the Illinois Department of Revenue, both of which determined the hospital wasn’t dispensing enough charity care to merit a property tax exemption. The lower court ruled Covenant didn’t qualify for a tax exemption as a religious or charitable organization.

The Urbana hospital is part of the suburban Chicago Catholic health care system, Provena Health.

Two justices, Rita Garman and Thomas Kilbride, recused themselves from the case, a move that left Provena with a narrower margin for victory.

“We are deeply disappointed that the Illinois Supreme Court has denied the property tax exemption of Provena Covenant Medical Center,” said Jon “Cody” Sokolski, chairman of Covenant’s board, in a written statement this morning. “Provena Covenant Medical Center cares for all in our community who need health services, regardless of their ability to pay.”

Throughout the tax controversy, dating back to 2002 when Covenant reapplied for a tax exemption, the hospital has continued to demonstrate a commitment to the community, he said.

Stan Jenkins, former chairman of the Board of Review and now Champaign County Supervisor of Assessments, heard the decision this morning but hadn’t yet seen the high court’s written opinion.

“From the very beginning, I believe that we were right on the issues and right on the law, and the court has affirmed that belief,” he said.