More and more property taxpayers are upset about the property tax increased dollars they are paying to own their homes. I suspect more people will be paying more attention to the first notice of the projected amount of their taxes bill they receive next year. Many did not compare 2006 taxes with 2007 and when they did compare the time frame in which to protest had closed. 3,060 parcels were appealed to the County Board of Review. 1,675 received no relief, 51 had their taxes INCREASED after the appeal and numerous complaints were sent to the State Board of Review including mine and County Board Member, Bob Baietto.
Some have said they did not appeal high tax increases for fear of retribution.
As you may recall, I previously blogged that my property tax jumped $1300 in actual dollars I will be paying Peoria County this year with expected increases each year hereafter.
President Mike Fortune has resigned from the Peoria Board of Review leaving the two least competent members, Nancy Horton, wife of the Recorder of Deeds, Brad Horton, and Gary Shadid still on the board while our County Board Chairman seeks a qualified replacement for Mr. Fortune. I am told there have been few applicants for this well paid and powerful position.
To illustrate the inequities of the current assessment system, I refer to a full page article appearing in the June 22, AT HOME section of the JS titled "Welcoming Charm - Local Attorney (and businessman) focuses on making his home inviting to friends, guests and events". This home, built for former Peoria Mayor Jim Maloof, backs onto Mt. Hawley Golf course. It is listed in the September 2007 Journal Star under "Legal Notice as having a fair market value of $100,340.00. My home backing onto busy Mt. Hawley Road and a busier Knoxville and fronted by a busy access street, is listed at $94,960.00 fair market value.
Hmmmmm.
I have previously blogged on the lack of common sense and a personal touch lacking in the public sector more so than the private sector that depends on a free market to stay in business. Those in the private sector lacking courtesy and common sense disappear and others with more savvy take their place. The private sector owners and managers know this.
For those of you who feel your assessed values are too high please pay attention when your notification comes out in 2009. There is a small window of opportunity to protest before your actual tax bill is received in the mail. There are many competent people who will help you including personnel in the County Assessors office. Many articles have appeared in the media about the effect high property taxes have on where people live especially those in retirement or on fixed incomes. Unless changes are made soon, many of us will look for more tax friendly areas to live and retire.
There are public use computers in the Peoria Court house shere you can review any property tax assessment in the entire County. These computers are in the waiting area of the Assessors office.
No comments:
Post a Comment