Tryon Proves Suburban County Homeowners Ante Up More Than Chicago’s

I didn’t stop the newspapers when we went on vacation last month and am working my way though back issues.

On June 16th, Chicago Sun-Times columnist Mark Brown shared information virtually forbidden in Chicago-based media.

Mark Brown's June 16, 2013, column in the Chicago Sun-Times revealing property tax inequities between Chicago and McHenry County.

Mark Brown’s June 16, 2013, column in the Chicago Sun-Times revealing property tax inequities between Chicago and McHenry County.

What’s that?

The fact that those outside of Cook County in the Chicago metropolitan area pay way, way higher real estate taxes than those inside Cook County.

To make his point he told of his tax bill for schools on his Four Colonies home worth $235,000, according to assessing officials.

$4,728.

With whom did he decide to make comparisons?

Governor Pat Quinn and House Speaker Mike Madigan. Madigan, by the way, makes bundles when his law firm appeals property taxes.

So how much does Pat Quinn pay for schools on his home worth $290,000?

Just $2,222.

Quinn’s first public office was membership on the Cook County Board of (Property Tax) Appeals.

How much does Mike Madigan pay in taxes for schools?

$2,680 on a $342,000 home.

Sensing an inequity?

You should.

And the title of the column?

On the internet:

“City, suburban, Downstate property tax bills not equal when it comes to schools”

In the newspaper:

“Time for a tax referendum?”


Comments

Tryon Proves Suburban County Homeowners Ante Up More Than Chicago’s — 4 Comments

  1. Talk about inequities: our home in Huntley is worth around $250 or so at this time and we pay around $6600 in taxes and that is with the senior exemption.

    We wish that our taxes were in the four thousand range!

    And, we live in Kane County/Rutland!

    62% of the tax bill goes to School District 158.

    That is outrageous!

  2. Remember the figures quoted are just for the school part of the tax bills.

  3. This shows you how sneeky and adroit the Democrats as politicians are.

    They have a “formula” of taxes for the school system that clearly places the burden on the Republican areas.

    This is why the average Democratic voters don’t mind increases in the Illinois tax rates: In so many they force the Republican/productive areas to pay the larger burden of their overzealous spending.

    Tryon should be complimented for unveiling what the inept press should have done decades ago.

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