Cook Countyproperty tax bills landed in mailboxes late last week. Twice a year the envelope comes; twice a year taxes get paid. Last year, I considered protesting but didn’t. This year, after realizing that just the 1st installment was close to the amount of entire bill a decade ago, it was time to act.
Looking at 1st installments for both 2008 and 2009, I realized that property tax on my residence had increased by 42%!!! I only wish my income had done the same. Yes, living in the northwest suburbs, I benefit from above average public schools, park district facilities, and the library. The streets get plowed, trees planted, and pot holes filled. Still, this increase is hard to swallow.
According to The Chicago Tribune, High School District 207 is considering actively collecting fees from delinquent students and their parents. Over $100,000 is owed for bounced checks and equipment “borrowed” but not returned. In the past, this expense was just written off. Now officials are looking at hiring a collection agency. What took so long? Could other tax supported agencies do the same?
A friendly clerk at the Township office informed me that property tax appeals follow an established schedule. Appeal filing notices are mailed by township. Maine should be sent in mid April; Elk Grove in early May; Palatine in late May; Schaumburg not till the end of August. Residents have 30 days to respond. Because assessed valuations are based on market value, I was advised to check current real estate listings and recent sales or have the property evaluated by a professional. According to both zillow.com and trulia.com the Cook County Assessor was more optimistic about my home’s value than a potential buyer would be.
This appeal will be filed. The car I was thinking about trading in 4 years ago is still mine, and will be for quite some time. It is time for elected and appointed officials to treat tax dollars with the same attention business and property owners do. Illinois primary elections are on March 20th: be there. For more information visit cookcountyclerk.com (312-603-5656) or cookcountyassessor.com (312-443-7550).
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