McHenry County Blog

Taxpayers may be making more of a fuss this year than previously.

Maybe not.

Tax districts are getting less than 2% more this year, when the Property Tax Cap allowed them to get 3%.

So, some tax districts showed restraint in reaching into taxpayers’ pockets.

Those who took the time to compare the tax rates on last year’s tax bill (which can be found here on the County Treasurer’s web site until this year’s are posted) with those in my Sunday article will most likely find that their tax rates have increased for just about every tax district.

Yesterday I reported that the tax rates levied on our Lakewood home went up over 15%.

But that’s not all the bad news.

The Illinois Department of Revenue is going to increase assessments by 2.43% on all residential and business property in McHenry County.

Will that lead to wailing and gnashing of teeth?

Total assessed value against which the tax rates are multiplier is

• $7,886,571,742.  That’s $7.9 billion.
• $8,817,375,055 last year.  That’s a loss of $940 million.

Almost a billion dollars.

And, as I explained yesterday, because virtually every tax district in McHenry County is below its statutory maximum, school districts, municipalities, park districts, townships, you name it, have the legal right to increase their tax rates to the point where they get 3% more than was taken out of our pockets last year.

Surely, some will conclude that those on tax district boards believe filling the pockets of governmental entities is more important than maintaining the standards of living of their taxpayers.

There was more new growth in assessed valuation this year than last.

• $31.7 million in 2011
• $34.5 billion in 2012

But the new growth could not possibly pay for all the additional taxes demanded by our local governments.

• $797,394,337.99 will be billed this year.
• $783,689,437.41 was billed last year.

The extra taxers represent under a two percent increase.

That means a number of tax districts did not take the three percent allowed by law.

Maybe we should hold a celebration.

Maybe not.

= = = = =

Articles about other aspects of the 2013 property taxes in McHenry County:

• Most Tax Rates for McHenry County’s Upcoming Tax Bills – Up 15% in Algonquin Township Part of Lakewood
• McHenry County Multiplier Increases Assessments 1.0243 for This Year’s Tax Bills, $1 Billion Assessment Loss Sends Tax Rates Soaring
• Property Tax Rates – Comparing This Coming Year’s to Last Year’s
• McHenry County Tax District Honor Role
• The McHenry County Taxman Cometh – Tax Bills on the Internet

A missive from Grafton Township Supervisor Linda Moore.  I wonder if it will get more than the 50 comments on the previous post about her.

Dear Grafton Township Residents,

The deadline for filing an appeal of the assessed value of your home is December 10th. Please call the county assessor’s office 1-815-334-4290 if you have not received a letter with your properties assessed value.

EQUALIZATION

How do the county assessor and the Illinois Department of Revenue determine the equalization value for your assessed property value?

In Grafton Township this year the multiplier for all property is over 9%.

This fact is not true for any other township in McHenry County.

It is determined by:

• The Illinois Department of Revenue looks at the sales that have occurred (2009-2011) and compares the assessments on that property – it is a measure of assessment valuation quality.
• Two levels of equalization are done each year in McHenry County, first by the county assessor and then by the Illinois Department of Revenue as required by law.
• The goal is for every township to have the level of assessment at 33.3%.
• The Illinois Department of Revenue checks to see that after the Board of Review action that the county has the appropriate level of assessment for equity across county borders.

The 9% equalization has been interpreted by the state and county to mean that the assessed value for all properties, on the average, is too low in Grafton Township.

As a result of this, the township office has been very busy with residents seeking to appeal the assessed value of their property.

RTA PRESENTATION ON CTA, PACE, and METRA PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

RTA will be giving a free class on using public transportation. They will discuss reading train and bus schedules and maps. I have always been a bit unnerved by travelling into the city by train or bus. If you are like me and would like to learn more about how the bus and trains work, plan to join us. They will also discuss senior discounts, fares, and the Ride Free program. On Wednesday, December 5th at 5pm this class will be held at the American Community Bank. Please call 847-669-3328 to reserve a seat.

I hope everyone is keeping warm now that the temperatures are dipping into the teens. If you know of someone in financial difficulty, please have them give the township office a call. We can help with General Assistance and Emergency Assistance Programs. We also have lots of warm coats for all ages and a food pantry to help someone who cannot afford to buy groceries.

December 4 Senior Bingo

Grafton Township will be holding a festive Bingo event, Christmas entertainment will be sponsored by Sunrise Assisted Living and Northwest Home, Health, and Rehab sponsors lunch. Join us December 5 starting at 11 am at Huntley American Legion, 11712 Coral St., Huntley, Tuesday.

Coat Drive

As the weather cools, some people who can’t afford a winter coat are going to find a need for them. Grafton Township Supervisor, Linda Moore wants to help. If you have an extra gently used or new coat or two, please bring them into the Grafton Township office or place them in our collection boxes.
– click here to continue reading –

Senior Services Calendar

The Crystal Lake Senior Services Associates has released their December 2012 Calendar.
Click here to view the December Calendar

Presentations on Using Accessible CTA, Pace and Metra Public Transportation

Accessible CTA, Metra and Pace buses and trains are easy to use and the RTA would love to show you how! It is important that people with disabilities and seniors stay informed about public transportation options in order to get to appointments, maintain social connections, and enjoy independent travel. Mark your calendars for December 5th.
– click here to continue reading –

Grafton Township
Supervisor Linda Moore
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Click below to download information about our Senior Bus

Senior Bus Flyer
Grafton Senior Bus Registration Form

Contact Information
13904 Harmony Road, Huntley IL 60142 lindamooregt@gmail.com
Phone number: 1-847-630-6325
Paid for by Committee to Elect Linda Moore