Chris Lauzen was elected Kane County Board Chairman in an at-large election. His wife Sarah looks on as he announces for the office.
Probably because I have contributed to Kane County Board Chairman Chris Lauzen, I received a letter inviting me to his 11:30 AM January 19th announcement of his candidacy for re-election.
Lauzen notes that four years ago he promised to
- freeze the property tax levy
- foster management best practices
- treat people as respectfully as possible
“I have kept these commitments to you,” he writes, referring readers to the page of charts below.
“Together we can hold the line on taxes, require accountability from every elected officials and county manager, and put citizens first!” Lauzen concludes.
Kane County property tax levy information from 2003-2015.
= = = = =
McHenry County Board members can’t show a similar flat levy because they have captured new growth.
Kane County’s flat levy caused the Kane County tax rate to decrease.
The mystery is what gets cut in a property tax freeze because built in collective bargaining pay hikes, ever increasing pension fund contributions, and in many cases increasing bond payments still must be dealt with.
Re: “Kane County’s flat levy caused the Kane County tax rate to decrease.”
Just like some Townships did.
So Lauzen doesn’t tax new construction in Kane?
New residents get a free ride on the backs of existing taxpayers?
Sounds like Lauzen’s Kane County is the destination of choice for the freeloader class –
The new construction does not get a free ride.
It is assess as of January 1st the year after it is completed.
But that new assessed valuation means that the same levy is spread over more tax base, thus reducing the property taxes of those who were there before the new homes or businesses went up.