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ABOUT THE TOWNSHIP AND OUR PURPOSE

Elk Grove Township is committed to providing residents with the level of services and programs that best fit their wants and needs.

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ELECTED OFFICIALS

Meet the team of elected officials and trustees making decisions with the township’s best interest in mind.

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MEETINGS, MINUTES AND FINANCIALS

Your resource for all matters related to Township meetings, official minutes, finances, and funding.

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ABOUT THE ASSESSOR’S OFFICE

From applying for tax exemptions to filing property tax appeals, get answers to questions about your property tax bills.

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PROPERTY TAX APPEALS

Your property taxes are based upon your home’s estimated value. Find out how the property tax appeal process works and, if necessary, how the Township can help you appeal your property tax bill.

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PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS

Exemptions can waive or reduce some of the property taxes you pay. Learn more about the available exemptions for which you may qualify and how to apply for them to legally reduce what you own in taxes.

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SOCIAL SERVICES

The Township offers a variety of free programs and services to help residents regain control of their lives and achieve self-sufficiency. Learn more about the many valuable resources available to you.

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RESIDENT SERVICES

As a resident of this Township, you are eligible to access programs and resources to help you through any physical or financial challenges you may face. Reach out to us should you need assistance or referrals to services in your time of need.

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COMMUNITY SERVICES

From transportation and employment to passports and parking placards, you’ll find a wide variety of helpful services designed to save you time and energy. If it makes your life easier and serves the needs of the community, you’ll find it here.

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Author name: Elk Grove Township Staff

Elk Grove Township Awards $620K in Mental Health and Wellness Grants

The Mental Health and Wellness Grant Program provides financial support to nonprofit social service agencies that have been in operation for at least one year, deliver services to Township residents and are used by the Township to supplement the services they provide. A Mental Health and Wellness Grant Committee annually reviews grant applications and submits their funding recommendations to the Township Board for inclusion in the Township budget. The Committee consists of two Township elected officials, two social service staff members and three residents. “The need for mental health and wellness services in our community continues to consistently grow for a variety of reasons,” said Elk Grove Township Supervisor George Busse. “These grants help strengthen and broaden the scope of critical health services that are available to our residents.” Through these grants, the Township seeks to bolster its agency partnerships and to promote community collaborations. The goal is to ensure that when residents seek assistance from the Township, they are not only provided access to Township resources – such as financial assistance, counseling, youth programs and the Food Pantry – but are also connected with agencies that specialize in their specific needs. This year’s grant recipients include: A Caring Place, Access to Care Suburban, Alexian Brothers for Mental Health, Center for Concern, Center for Enriched Living, Children’s Advocacy Center, Clearbrook Center, Connections of Illinois, Connections to Care, District 214 Educational Foundation, Elyssa’s Mission, Family Forward, Glenkirk, Good Neighbors Network, Hands On, Hopeful Beginnings, Journeys, Kan-Win, Kenneth Young Center, Life Span, Little City Foundation, Northwest Center Against Sexual Assault, Northwest Compass, Northwest Community Hospital Foundation, The Salvation Army, Search Inc., Shelter Inc., Special Leisure Service Foundation, and WINGS. Please visit the organizations’ websites to learn more about each grant recipient. While Elk Grove Township offers a full range of social and wellness services, mental health is specifically addressed by the Township’s Adult & Family Counseling Program. This program provides no-cost, confidential counseling and psychiatric services to Township residents. Services include:● Counseling, assessment and therapy for mental health and substance-related concerns● Children and adolescent attention deficit screenings● Psychiatric telehealth services for medication management● Parenting Classes Services are individualized, family-focused, and available in both English and Spanish. Counseling sessions are offered at the Township office or via Telehealth. According to Brian Maye, a Township Trustee and Mental Health and Wellness Committee member, “Elk Grove Township remains committed to fostering a strong, healthy community by ensuring residents have access to the mental health and social services they need. Through this and other supportive programs, the Township continues to deliver on its motto to ‘empower people through community.’” For more information about the Mental Health and Wellness Grant Program, counseling services, or youth empowerment programs, please call Elk Grove Township Social Services at 847-981-0373 or visit elkgrovetowship.com.

Elk Grove Township Awards $620K in Mental Health and Wellness Grants Read More »

Elk Grove Township’s Holiday Programs Achieve Remarkable Success

In November, the Food Pantry partnered with the township’s Social Services Department to host the annual Thanksgiving Basket Drive. Nearly 900 families received baskets filled with holiday meal fixings, such as turkey, stuffing, vegetables and more. Township residents donated a record $14,000 in support of the drive and Forest Packaging generously provided packaging material to create the “baskets.” The Senior Angel Tree program brought joy to more than 250 low-income seniors over the holiday season. Senior participants provided the township with their personal holiday gift wishes. The wishes ranged from air fryers and cozy pajamas to special items such as “The Best of Simon and Garfunkel” paired with a CD player. The wishes were then hung on an Angel Tree in the township lobby where residents, businesses or local organizations could pick up one or more of the requests to fulfill for a senior. The community support for the program was so great that the township ran out of wishes well before the program was to end. The Holiday Gift Card Drive provided low-income parents with gift cards that they could use to buy presents for their children. The drive ensured that nearly 200 young children received gifts from “Santa.” This approach not only gave financially challenged parents the dignity of choosing gifts for their children, but also gave program sponsors the satisfaction of knowing they played an important part in making the holidays a little brighter for a family in need. “The generosity of the township community never ceases to amaze us,” said Township Supervisor George Busse. “Through these important holiday programs, we can make the holidays a little more cheerful for neighbors who are experiencing some difficulty. It’s an excellent example of how we at the township are constantly striving to fulfill our mission to empower people through community.” Looking ahead, the township invites residents to continue to support the Food Pantry during the winter months through two upcoming initiatives. The annual “SouperBowl” canned soup collection runs through Feb. 9, with donations accepted from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at the township offices, at 600 Landmeier Road in Elk Grove Village. In March, the township will launch “MacMadness,” which asks for donations of macaroni and cheeses and other dry pasta goods. Donations can be accepted during the Township’s regular business hours. “With the food pantry currently serving more than 1100 families every month, any donation is both needed and greatly appreciated,” Elk Grove Township Trustee David Perns said. For more information on the Elk Grove Township programs and events, please visit elkgrovetownship.com.

Elk Grove Township’s Holiday Programs Achieve Remarkable Success Read More »

George Busse named Social Services Supervisor of the Year

Entitled, “Township Government: Building for Tomorrow,” the conference provided the opportunity for township officials across Illinois to participate in educational sessions and learn about the latest developments in township government. The prestigious award recognizes Busse’s 24 years of dedicated service and his innovative leadership in providing social and mental health services to township residents. “Being named Supervisor of the Year for social services is an incredible honor, but it’s truly a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our entire team at Elk Grove Township,” Busse said. “Together, we’re building a stronger, more supportive community. I’m very proud of what we’ve accomplished to better serve the needs of our 95,000 residents, and particularly, those most in need.” Born and raised in Elk Grove Township, Busse has deep family ties to the community, with a family legacy of County, Township and Village public service dating back to 1848. He follows in the steps of his great grandfather, John Rohlwing, who was the Elk Grove Township Supervisor in the early 1900s. A retired Navy captain and former chairman of the Mount Prospect Finance Commission and Police and Fire Commission, Busse served Elk Grove Township as a trustee for 14 years, clerk for six years and was elected supervisor in 2021. Under his leadership, township services have evolved to meet the rapidly growing social support needs of its residents, including: • Expansion of township staff to meet a 400% increase in food pantry usage and a 225% rise in social service assistance applications.• Hired additional mental health therapists and established a partnership with the Josselyn Center to provide psychiatric and medication services to township residents who previously faced long wait lists.• Strengthened senior social services through the hiring of a Senior Benefits Specialist to manage the Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP), senior fairs and wellness groups, and the expansion of the Township transportation program which provides free rides to seniors and disabled residents.• Established new Bicycle Safety and Challenge courses. The Bike Safety Course offers rules of the road classes for schools and other groups, and the Challenge Course is used in connection with the township’s youth programs and focuses on building social skills, teamwork, and self-empowerment. Attendees of the TOI Conference represent nearly 11,000 officials from 1,426 townships in Illinois. The conference is part of TOI’s mission to strengthen township government by providing ongoing education and support. TOI Executive Director Jerry B. Crabtree noted, “New and returning officials all learn more about the changes in the laws and their duties by attending our conference. There is much to be gained from these educational sessions.” Elk Grove Township elected officials, and staff are regular attendees of the annual TOI conference. The educational opportunities and ability to share ideas with other townships were cited by Elk Grove Trustee David Perns as primary reasons for attending. He also noted that being able to celebrate the extraordinary contributions of Supervisor Busse this year made attending particularly meaningful. “I’m glad we were able to be present to help recognize George’s years of visionary leadership and determined effort to make our Township a thriving and supportive community for all its residents.” For more information about Elk Grove Township’s programs and services, visit elkgrovetownship.com.

George Busse named Social Services Supervisor of the Year Read More »

Give back and stay well this season with Elk Grove Township

Coat Donation Drive: Winter is approaching, and you can help your neighbors in need stay warm through the township’s Winter Coat Drive, made possible due to a partnership with St. Paul of the Cross Church in Park Ridge. New or gently used clean coats for men, women and children are being accepted, with a special need for larger sizes. Coat donations are requested by Wednesday, Oct. 30, to the township (600 Landmeier Road in Elk Grove Village) Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free Flu Vaccination Clinic: In partnership with Ascension Alexian Brothers, a free flu shot clinic will be available to township residents, 18 years of age and older. While walk-ins are welcome, reservations are recommended. The clinic will take place from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1, at the Elk Grove Township Meeting Hall, 600 Landmeier Road, in Elk Grove Village. Thanksgiving Donation Drive: Help the township reach its goal! The township’s Thanksgiving Donation Drive is now in full swing, and the community’s support is needed to meet the goal of $14,000 in donations. Currently, the township has raised nearly $3,000. This fundraising goal will ensure that all individuals who currently utilize the Food Pantry can enjoy traditional Thanksgiving meals. The pantry currently serves more than 1,000 residents each month. Donations can be made using the form in the summer edition of the township newsletter, or directly on the township website at https://elkgrovetownship.com/ways-to-donate/. “Whether it’s making sure residents experiencing financial challenges can enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal or stay warm this winter with a much-needed coat, or by protecting the health of our residents through free flu shots, the Township is always working to meet the needs of our community members,” said Elk Grove Township Supervisor George Busse. “It is our mission to support and empower people through community partnerships.” For information on these and other services offered by the township, call (847) 437-0300 or visit elkgrovetownship.com.

Give back and stay well this season with Elk Grove Township Read More »

Cereal Bowl Rivalry Grows From Schools To Elk Grove Village, Rolling Meadows Mayors

Although a football game, the Cereal Bowl trophy given to the winning team is not scored on points from touchdowns on the gridiron, but on the number of cereal boxes collected by each school’s supporters for the pantry.   “It’s really important for us,” Elk Grove Township Supervisor George Busse said of cereal boxes collected at the event. “It had lasted us for a year, but not last year or this year because demand is so high.” He said the township pantry is currently feeding 1,100 individuals or families a month.  In the first Cereal Bowl in 2016, Rolling Meadows defeated Elk Grove collecting 1,040 boxes of cereal to the Grenadiers’ 250, however, each year since, it was Elk Grove collecting the most boxes and winning the cup, which currently sits in the EGHS trophy case. The rivalry has been particularly intense among the principals of the two schools, Paul Kelly at EGHS and Megan Kelly at RMHS, who, outside their professional relationship, are also husband and wife. The rivalry has grown beyond the two schools to the communities of Elk Grove Village and Rolling Meadows, with mayors Craig Johnson of Elk Grove and Lara Sanoica of Rolling Meadows each supporting their respective schools this year.  At Tuesday’s (Oct. 8) Elk Grove Village Board meeting, 300 boxes of cereal were stacked in front of the village trustee dias in the village council chambers, and a bowl of Sugar Smacks was poured in bowls for each trustee and Mayor Johnson. Collection boxes are also set up in Elk Grove Village Hall outside the council chambers.  Besides Paul Kelly, one of the chief cheerleaders for the Cereal Bowl is Elk Grove Village trustee and EGHS social studies teacher Joe Bush.  Bush said he knows the Mustangs are looking to end their losing streak in the Cereal Bowl, so set the goal of EGHS collecting 2,000 boxes this year. He said he was confident EGHS supporters could collect 1,700. Johnson said he personally purchased 300 more to push EGHS over the top to reach the 2,000 box goal. “Earlier this year, the Rolling Meadows City Council resolved to fund two mobile food pantries every month to supplement the four township food pantries that serve Rolling Meadows and combat hunger in our community,” Rolling Meadows Mayor Lara Sanoica said in an email to the Journal. “We know how to get the job done when we work together. Rolling Meadows residents are not only the most generous in the Northwest suburbs, but we won’t back down from a challenge. We will take this game ‘cereal-ously’ because grains and yards gained go hand in hand. See you on the field, Elk Grove!” Last year, Elk Grove Township officials said 2,827 boxes were collected by the two schools for the Cereal Bowl. The total number of boxes collected since 2016, with the exception of 2020 when the event was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, was 14,285 boxes. Credit: Tom Robb/Journal & Topics

Cereal Bowl Rivalry Grows From Schools To Elk Grove Village, Rolling Meadows Mayors Read More »

Elk Grove Township celebrates opening of Bike Safety & Challenge Courses

The Grand Opening highlighted the township’s long commitment to promoting bike safety. The township Bike Safety Program started in the 1960s, with its Bike Safety Village which was located next to the old township hall on Arlington Heights Road. Several of the attendees pointed out that they had taken bike safety classes at the old course when they were grade school students. The event also put a spotlight on the township’s Youth Services Department which uses the Challenge course for many of their social skill building and youth empowerment classes. Township Supervisor George Busse kicked off the event by welcoming the crowd and special guests. He spoke about the township’s long history of bike safety and youth services and how he was excited about being able to get these two important courses back up and running again. Comments were also made by Mount Prospect Mayor Paul Hoeffert and Elk Grove Village Deputy Mayor Chris Prochno. Both emphasized the value of promoting bicycle safety and the need for youth programs that build self-confidence, communication and social skills, and teamwork. Following the speeches, the official ribbon-cutting took place. Other elected officials participating in the ribbon cutting included state Representatives Michelle Mussman and Jennifer Salanitro, Cook County Commissioners Maggie Trevor and Kevin Morrison, Mount Prospect Trustee Vince Dante and Township Trustees Brian Maye, Dale Niewiardowski, and David Perns. Children at the Grand Opening were given the opportunity to ride on the Bike Safety Course and Township Youth Services Director Renee Dorn led a brief teamwork class on the Challenge Course. Members of the Elk Grove Village Fire and Police departments were also present and allowed parents and children to get a close look at their police cars, fire trucks and ambulances. Friends of Cycling in Elk Grove Village played a key role at the event. In the week leading up to course opening, the group helped assess, clean, and repair all township bicycles to ensure that they were in good shape for riders. Mike Cavallini, vice president of the organization, was at the event talking with attendees and answering questions about bicycling. The group’s generous donation of helmets and bells, which were used as raffle prizes, added to the excitement of the day’s festivities. The township has Open Ride Days scheduled this fall for parents and their children. Open Ride Days allow young families to ride together in a fun, safe environment. The township will be offering bike safety classes to schools and community groups starting next spring and will offer monthly classes for all township residents. There are also plans to use the course for senior walk mornings. The Challenge Course is already being regularly used by the township youth programs. “We were thrilled to see such a good turnout for the grand opening of our Bicycle Safety and Challenge Courses,” said Township Supervisor Busse. “With the support of our local officials, community partners and residents, I know these courses and the associated programs will have a positive impact on the safety, health and well-being of the youth in and around our township.” For information about the Bicycle Safety and Challenge courses and associated programs, visit elkgrovetownship.com or follow the Township on its social media.

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Ribbon-cutting for Elk Grove Township Challenge and Bicycle Safety courses

The celebration will take place from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14, at the Township Building, 600 Landmeier Road in Elk Grove Village. Food and refreshments will be provided, along with tours of the new courses and the township’s new Youth Programs/Community Room. The Elk Grove Village Fire Department plans to have a fire truck on site for touring. The Elk Grove and Mount Prospect police departments are also planning on having representation, giveaways and patrol cars on site. Township staff will be on-site to answer any questions and discuss upcoming township programs and services. Both courses have been closed for three years as the township relocated its offices from the south side of Arlington Heights to Elk Grove Village. The township started conducting bike safety classes more than 50 years ago. The classes teach local youths the bicycle rules of the road and important safety measures. The Challenge Course has been used for almost 30 years by the township Youth Services team. It is an essential part of the township’s many youth empowerment courses that focus on the strengthening of communication skills, problem-solving and teamwork. “The long-awaited grand reopening of our Challenge and Bicycle Safety courses, which were very popular at our former location, has finally arrived,” said Elk Grove Township Supervisor George Busse. “These courses provide a wonderful opportunity for children to learn about bike safety when out on our roads and gives them the chance to gain valuable social and interpersonal skills through our Youth Groups. We are thrilled to be able to reintroduce and provide these important services for our younger community members.” Starting in 2025, Bicycle Safety courses will be held monthly during the summer and for elementary schools upon request during the spring and fall. Open bike rides are already available to township families, free of charge, on select Saturdays through the end of summer. Information about open ride days is available on the township website and social media pages. Residents can also call (224) 265-6118. The Challenge Course has been a teen favorite and includes a low-rope course that propels participants through physical challenges and activities. The goal is to offer a unique environment for children and teens to explore their strengths, work collaboratively, and overcome challenges. Groups work interactively to tackle obstacles that require strategic thinking to find solutions. Donations are currently being accepted for new and gently used bicycles and helmets for use on the courses. Donations can be made at the township during regular business hours, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Whether you’re a cycling enthusiast or someone with a spare bike, your support can make a difference in promoting bicycle safety and strengthening essential social skills for our community’s youth. Those who plan to attend the Grand Opening can park in the township parking lot. Additional parking will be available across the street from the township at Three J’s Industries, Nissei America and Janome Industrial Equipment USA. To learn more about this event and the Challenge and Bicycle Safety courses, visit elkgrovetownship.com and follow the township on Social Media.

Ribbon-cutting for Elk Grove Township Challenge and Bicycle Safety courses Read More »

Save the date for Elk Grove Township’s Holiday Outreach Programs

“The township is reaching out to the community for donations earlier this year due to a significant increase in need,” said Elk Grove Township Supervisor George Busse. “Any assistance will be greatly appreciated. We are hoping to be able to provide every family with the means to enjoy a bright and joyful holiday season.” Thanksgiving Donation Drive: The township food pantry serves more than 1,000 families monthly and would like to ensure each township resident who utilizes the food pantry can also enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal. To help with the rising cost of food, the township is hosting a virtual donation drive with a goal to reach $14,000 in monetary donations. Funds raised will be used to purchase a variety of Thanksgiving meal items. Donations can be made using the form included in the summer edition of the township newsletter, which will arrive in mailboxes this week or directly on the township website at elkgrovetownship.com/social-services/#holiday-program-assistance. Holiday Gift Drive: Support children in our community by giving local families a $50 gift card, per child, to a local retailer. These gift cards give parents the joy of purchasing gifts for their children and allowing children to receive gifts they request in their letters to Santa. Registration for this program will be available in the fall edition of the township newsletter, which is expected to arrive in mailboxes the week of Oct. 14. Older Adult Angel Tree: Beginning Nov. 1, “Angel Trees” will be displayed in the east and west lobbies of the township office building, 600 Landmeier Road, in Elk Grove Village. Low-income senior residents, 65 years of age and older, will be invited to place a gift wish in the shape of an ornament on the tree, which will then be granted by a generous community member. Residents are invited to visit the township after Nov. 1, Monday — Friday, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., to take an ornament with a senior’s designated gift wish and make their holiday merrier and brighter! For information, visit elkgrovetownship.com or view the summer edition of the township newsletter at loom.ly/sYWz4Zo.

Save the date for Elk Grove Township’s Holiday Outreach Programs Read More »

New Assessor data shows burden shift of 2023 reassessment appeals

In the 2023 reassessment cycle, properties in the south and west suburbs were reassessed. The updated property values are reflected on the second installment property tax bills that are online and will hit mailboxes in early July. Prior to the reassessment, residential property made up 68% of total assessed value, while non-residential made up 32%. After the CCAO set values and processed appeals in the south and west suburbs, homeowners’ share would have dropped slightly, to 67%. Because share of assessed value can correspond to share of tax burden, a drop in homeowners’ share could mean a drop in the share of tax burden. However, the CCAO is not the final arbiter of assessments in Cook County – the BoR has the ability to change property values during the appeals process. Following appeals with the BoR, the residential share of total assessed value increased to 71%. This was mainly because of appeals granted to non-residential properties: In total, the assessed value of non-residential property decreased $950 million, or just over 18%, during the BoR appeals stage. These changes in the distribution of the property tax burden could affect many of the second installment tax bills issued to homeowners in the coming weeks. Assessed values are used to calculate the tax base for individual taxing districts that, together with the levy, determine the tax rate. (Other factors, such as Tax Increment Financing districts, exemptions, the multiplier, and the “recapture” provision, also affect tax rates.) As a result of BoR appeals, homeowners in many parts of the south and west suburbs will take on a larger share of the tax burden – and a greater increase in their property taxes – than they would have under the CCAO’s values. Variations within townships Appeal changes varied significantly between each of the 17 townships that were part of the 2023 south suburban triennial reassessment. But the same pattern held throughout – in each township, homeowners saw their share of assessed value increase following appeals with the BoR. In Bloom Township, which includes Chicago Heights and Lynwood, residential property made up 65% of assessed value before the reassessment. The CCAO’s assessments increased total assessed values across the township by about $215 million, and decreased homeowners’ share of this value to 64%. In townships where residential property makes up the vast majority of the tax base, changes on appeal were less drastic but followed the same trend as elsewhere. In River Forest Township, for example, homeowners increased from 88% to 90% of the share of assessed value following appeals with the BoR. In individual south and west suburban municipalities, many of the same patterns held. Chicago Heights, Stickney, and Phoenix all saw homeowners take on a share of assessed values that was 9-10 percentage points greater under the Board of Review’s final values than the CCAO’s. It was only in Ford Heights that residential property’s share of value decreased following BoR appeals. About the CCAO Data Dashboards Data Dashboards are created by the Assessor’s Office to allow viewers to review assessments at each stage of the assessment process. In the first stage, the CCAO sets values and processes appeals. In the second and final stage, the Board of Review adjusts those values based on appeals filed in their office. The Dashboards provide a clear view of how the tax burden is split between residential and commercial property owners. They also show the burden shifts at each stage. The CCAO has released Data Dashboards since 2020 for townships and municipalities within Cook County. To explore all the publicly available data, visit www.cookcountyassessor.com/dashboard.

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Treasurer Maria Pappas analysis shows record-high property tax increases for south suburban homeowners

The biggest increases in homeowners’ tax bills occurred in 15 south suburbs where taxes soared 30% or more. Of those 15 suburbs, 13 have mostly Black populations. In two towns, Dixmoor and Phoenix, the median tax bill more than doubled. “Many homeowners are going to be shocked and angry when they get their bills,” Pappas said. “South suburban homeowners already pay some of the highest property taxes in the county, and these increases will make paying those bills even more difficult.” A research team created by Pappas released its Tax Year 2023 Bill Analysis, a detailed examination of nearly 1.8 million bills to be mailed to property owners July 2 and due a month later on Aug. 1. This year’s Second Installment bills include a new feature, “Where Your Money Goes,” that breaks down the amounts of money billed by each taxing district and shows whether taxes went up or down.  Among key findings of the analysis: Homeowners in the south and southwest suburbs are being hit hard because new assessment shifted 4% of the overall tax burden from businesses onto them. The financial shift was caused by elimination of the 10% COVID-19 assessment reduction enacted in 2020, higher home selling prices and the success businesses had appealing their assessments at the Board of Review, which handles appeals of valuations made by the Assessor’s Office. Particularly hard hit were homeowners in Park Forest, where the median residential bill rose by 56% to $7,152. In Dixmoor, the median bill increased by 122%, to $1,950. And in Phoenix, where nearly all of the village is in a tax increment finance district, the median bill shot up by 107% to $1,744.  Nearly 4,200 south and southwest suburban homeowners who paid no taxes last year will get bills this year. That’s because the value of their exemptions no longer exceeds the higher assessed values of their homes. The median for those bills was $1,115. Across the county, more than 1.3 million homeowners must pay more in property taxes, while about 251,600 were billed less. Taxes for more than 88,000 commercial properties increased, while nearly 28,000 went down. State law allows school districts to hike taxes by the prior year’s increase in the Consumer Price Index, or 5%, whichever is less. Because the CPI increased by 6.5% in 2022, school districts were allowed a 5% increase. But the overall percentage increase was higher, partly due to a provision called recapture. Recapture is a 2021 provision in the Illinois tax code that allows school districts and many local governments to recover money refunded to property owners who successfully appealed their taxes the previous year. Recapture led to an additional $136.3 million being tacked onto bills this year. That’s $51.9 million less than was added to property owners’ bills last year. Significant increases in the amount of money the city of Chicago and Chicago Public Schools said they needed to operate, coupled with recapture and higher tax increment financing district bills, boosted the overall property tax burden in Chicago by $221.8 million. That broke down as a $116.6 million increase on commercial properties and a $103.9 million increase on residential properties. The analysis is the latest addition to the Pappas Studies, a series of examinations of the complex property tax system available at cookcountytreasurer.com.  Property owners who don’t want to wait for their bills to arrive in the mail can pay their taxes online now at cookcountytreasurer.com. Partial payments are accepted.

Treasurer Maria Pappas analysis shows record-high property tax increases for south suburban homeowners Read More »