Illinois Quick Hits: County study reflects massive property tax hikes

Illinois Quick Hits: County study reflects massive property tax hikes

March 31, 2026/
Spread the love

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – According to a study by Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas, property taxes in the county increased at twice the rate of inflation and well above the rate of wage growth from 1995 to 2024.

The report says local officials took advantage of loopholes in a state law designed to limit tax increases to 5% or the rate of inflation, whichever is less.

School districts, which accounted for nearly 55% of the county’s property taxes in 2024, hiked taxes by 189.4% during the past 30 years.

CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS CEO TO REMAIN

The Chicago Board of Education has chosen Macquline King to lead Chicago Public Schools for the next three years.

King has served as interim superintendent/CEO since last June.

When her new three-year contract takes effect on July 1, King will receive a taxpayer-funded salary of $380,000 per year.

O’FALLON POLICE CAPTURE ALLEGED BANK ROBBER

Federal authorities are crediting O’Fallon police for nabbing a bank robbery suspect.

George E. Habermehl Jr., 62, is accused of robbing a bank on Highway 50 on March 20.

Prosecutors say the O’Fallon Police Department released still images on social media and received tips identifying Habermehl, who was on probation for bank robbery and recently absconded.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

WCO-LEG-8.5.1

Will County Forges 2026 Federal Agenda Amid D.C. Policy Shifts, ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ Impacts

ARTICLE SUMMARY: The Will County Board's Legislative Committee is reshaping its federal priorities for 2026, adding new language on environmental justice and LGBTQIA+ rights while creating a more transparent process for...
WCO-Public-Safety.3

Health Department Seeks $1 Million Levy Increase to Prevent “Weakened System”

Article Summary: The Will County Health Department is asking for a $1 million increase to its property tax levy to save 11 critical jobs that are at risk as post-pandemic...
WCO-Cap-Imp-8.5.3

County Rolls Out New “OneMeeting” Software to Improve Public Access

ARTICLE SUMMARY: Will County has officially launched a new agenda and meeting management software called "OneMeeting," aimed at improving transparency and making it easier for the public and officials to access...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Finance Committee for August 5, 2025

The Will County Board’s Finance Committee confronted major budget challenges during its Tuesday meeting, led by a stark presentation from the Will County Health Department. Health officials are requesting an...
WCO-PZ-8.12.2

Will County PZC Approves Rezoning for Truck Repair Facility on Manhattan Road Amid Resident Concerns

Article Summary: The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission voted 4-2 to rezone nearly 14 acres in Joliet Township for a truck repair facility. The approval came after a neighboring...
WCO-PZ-Aug-5.3

Key Stretch of Bell Road on Track for Thanksgiving Reopening, Committee Approves Additional Funds

ARTICLE SUMMARY Construction on Bell Road between 159th and 151st Streets is scheduled to have all lanes open by Thanksgiving, officials announced as the Public Works & Transportation Committee approved a...
WCO-LEG-8.5.2

Will County Leglislative Committee Opposes Federal Push for Heavier, Longer Trucks

ARTICLE SUMMARY: The Will County Board's Legislative Committee unanimously passed a resolution opposing any federal legislation that would increase the size and weight limits for commercial trucks on national roadways. Will...
WCO-Public-Safety.2

Will County Reports Progress in Opioid Fight, Highlights New FDA Labeling Rules

Article Summary: Will County is seeing a reduction in opioid overdose deaths and is expanding access to the reversal drug Narcan, health officials reported. The department also drew attention to...
WCO-Cap-Imp-8.5.4

In-House Staff Completes Major Renovations at Will County Adult Detention Facility

ARTICLE SUMMARY: Maintenance staff at the Will County Adult Detention Facility recently completed extensive renovations in-house, including a new control center and the full restoration of a 48-cell housing unit, saving...
Land-use-8.5.25

Will County Advances Truck Repair Facility Plan on Manhattan Road Despite Resident Objections

Article Summary: A proposal to rezone nearly 14 acres on Manhattan Road for a truck repair facility advanced after receiving a recommendation for approval from the Will County Land Use...
WCO-PZ-8.12.1

PZC Grants Variance for Oversized Garage in Joliet Township, Reversing Staff Recommendation

Article Summary: The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved a variance for a Joliet Township homeowner to build a garage addition that exceeds the county's size limits. The...
WCO-PZ-Aug-5.5

Will County Public Works Committee Approves Over $1.1 Million in New Agreements for 80th Avenue Project

ARTICLE SUMMARY: The Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee authorized two agreements totaling over $1.1 million for the ongoing reconstruction and widening of 80th Avenue between 191st and 183rd Streets....
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Legislative Committee for August 5, 2025

The Will County Board’s Legislative Committee focused on shaping its advocacy efforts at both the state and federal levels during its August 5 meeting. The primary discussion centered on crafting...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Capital Improvements & IT Committee for August 5, 2025

The future of several key county facilities dominated the Will County Capital Improvements & IT Committee meeting on Tuesday. A major topic of discussion was the ongoing buildout of the...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Public Health & Safety Committee for August 7, 2025

The Will County Board Public Health & Safety Committee on Thursday heard urgent requests for facility and funding support from two of the county’s key public-facing departments. The committee took...