Property assessment appeals, Farmers markets and More (Copy)
Dear Neighbors,
I hope this finds you and family well and enjoying your midsummer weather and activities. I noticed that our local restaurants and bars and Forest Preserve trails are brimming with neighbors embracing our many summer pleasures. So good to see everyone out and about!
I had hoped to be posting the last of my many COVID updates, but the deadly virus is still around in a highly infectious form -- the Delta Variant. Due to its ongoing presence and persistence, you will still need to protect yourself, friends and family.
"The majority of cases nationwide have been in unvaccinated individuals," county, state and national health officials are finding. “The entire State of Illinois is seeing a steady increase in cases and we need to be careful,” said Mark Pfister, Executive Director at the Lake County Health Department. “Prevention strategies that include vaccines, masks, and social distancing are our best defense against the COVID-19 virus and its variants."
You can still get a vaccine nearly anywhere from your local pharmacy to most larger grocery stores. Our county health clinics also have the shots. If you or someone you know hasn't had a shot, get one now. Find a vaccine.
Assessment Notices Coming Soon
Watch your mailboxes for the "blue notices" from your township assessors. These annual mailings show the valuation of your home and land. The "equalized assessed valuation" -- assessment minus any exemptions -- will be applied to next year's tax bill. Generally, assessments reflect what your property is worth based on property sales prices in your area over the past year.
The most important thing you need to know is if you think your assessment is too high, you can appeal it through our County Board of Review. You can do that easily online, but you only have 30 days from receipt of the blue notice to do that. After that period, you'll have to wait until next year to appeal. Anyone can appeal here. There's also a video that walks you through the efiling portal.
If you haven't taken advantage of all of the assessment exemptions available to you, contact your township assessor immediately. Often local assessors can make a correction -- and it may lower your tax bill. I had one constituent, for example, who was entitled to a senior citizen freeze, but it wasn't reflected in her blue notice. When I connected her with her assessor, though, it was easily fixed and her total tax bill was much lower. Click here for information on your local assessor.
Yet keep in mind that your total tax bill is calculated by adding your equalized assessed valuation plus tax rates from all local taxing bodies that apply to you. Lake County, accounting for 7% of your real estate bill, is only one taxing body among more than a dozen other agencies and school districts. Even if your assessment drops, however, it may not translate into a lower tax bill. We've been slightly reducing our annual tax rate at the county in recent years, but we have no control over what other agencies do. School districts still comprise the lion's share of your property tax bill.
Flummoxed by how property taxation works? Treasurer Holly Kim and I have filmed a helpful video that explains your property tax bill. We have spent months trying to improve our tax bill information. New this year is a Taxpayer Bill of Rights that clearly spells out your rights in understanding and appealing your assessment. Where does your property tax money go and how is it spent? We explain it on one page. Let us know how we can improve our communication! Click here for more information.
Note: We will also be having a zoom webinar at 5 p.m. August 9 (featuring Avon Assessor Chris Ditton) to take your questions on the assessment blue notices and tax bills. Register now.
Lake County Fair Is Back!
Although it is being called a "micro" event this year, the Lake County Fair is still being held from July 30 to August 1 at the fairgrounds. Information and tickets for the fair are only available online here.
I want to thank the incredible Fairgrounds management, Health Department and countless volunteers for helping us to run a mass vaccination site in their main building during the height of the pandemic. They were able to give thousands of shots that will save and prolong lives. You did the work of angels during a challenging time. We are eternally grateful!
Please enjoy the rest of the summer in a responsible and safe way. If you need immediate assistance on any county services, please call our 2-1-1 helpline. I am also available to speak to your community group.
John
Be well, be safe!
