Illinois Quick Hits: County study reflects massive property tax hikes

Illinois Quick Hits: County study reflects massive property tax hikes

Spread the love

(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

Republican, Dem work to prevent deportation of entrepreneur

Republican, Dem work to prevent deportation of entrepreneur

By Chris WoodwardThe Center Square It is not every day that people on opposite sides of the political spectrum join forces, but that is exactly what Lisa Everett and Brent...
Nevada superintendent says ICE won't enter schools

Nevada superintendent says ICE won’t enter schools

By Liam HibbertThe Center Square The superintendent of the nation's fifth-biggest school district said U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agreed to not conduct raids or arrests in schools in Las...
Ad Hoc.8.12.25.3

Will County Updates Solid Waste Ordinance, Increases Fines and Reporting to Landfill Committee

Article Summary: The Will County Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee advanced an updated solid waste ordinance that doubles the maximum fine for violations and requires the county auditor's annual report to...
Ad Hoc.8.12.25.2

Citing Liability Concerns, Will County Committee Postpones Vote on Septic System Ordinance

Article Summary: The Will County Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee postponed a vote on updating its sewer and sewage disposal ordinance after a member raised significant concerns about the county's liability...
Ad Hoc.8.12.25.1

Will County Moves to Repeal Obsolete 1972 Fire Hydrant Ordinance

Article Summary: An ordinance from 1972 regulating the placement and specifications of fire hydrants in Will County is set to be repealed after the Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee approved its...
MAHA-style bill would close food additive safety loophole

MAHA-style bill would close food additive safety loophole

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square With deregulation-focused Republicans in Congress reluctant to fulfill the industry-wary goals of the Make America Healthy Again initiative, some Democrats are taking up the torch....
Committee of teh Whole 8.12.25

Will County Board Gets Back to Basics with Robert’s Rules of Order Training

Article Summary: The Will County Board Committee of the Whole received a detailed training session on Robert's Rules of Order from parliamentary expert Matthew Prochaska to clarify procedures for conducting...
Exec Cmte 8.14.25.1

Executive Committee Approves Amended Houbolt Bridge Agreement to Settle Litigation

Article Summary: The Will County Executive Committee has approved an amendment to the Houbolt Road Toll Bridge agreement, formalizing a settlement between the bridge operators and the City of Joliet....
manhattan fire district graphic logo.1

Manhattan Fire District Awards Initial Bids for New Station, Re-bids Four Items to Cut Costs

Article Summary: The Manhattan Fire Protection District board approved most construction bids for its new fire station during a special meeting, but will re-bid roofing, flooring, overhead doors, and landscaping...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Committee of the Whole for August 12, 2025

The Will County Board’s Committee of the Whole dedicated its August 12 meeting to an in-depth training session on Robert’s Rules of Order, aiming to foster more efficient and orderly...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee for August 12, 2025

The Will County Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee advanced several updated chapters of the county’s public works code during its August 12 meeting, addressing topics from solid waste to waste hauler...
Legislators criticize Illinois’ utility policies as ‘unsustainable’

Legislators criticize Illinois’ utility policies as ‘unsustainable’

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s law banning utility shutoffs during extreme heat and cold is sparking concerns over rising...
D.C. attorney general sues Trump administration, claiming 'unlawful' takeover

D.C. attorney general sues Trump administration, claiming ‘unlawful’ takeover

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square Days after President Donald Trump declared “Liberation Day” by federalizing the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department and deploying hundreds of National Guard members to curb...
What’s on the table for Trump’s meeting with Putin?

What’s on the table for Trump’s meeting with Putin?

By Caroline BodaThe Center Square President Donald Trump is flying to Alaska on Friday for a high-stakes meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss terms for a ceasefire in...
WATCH: Illinois In Focus Daily | Friday Aug. 15th, 2025

WATCH: Illinois In Focus Daily | Friday Aug. 15th, 2025

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop talks with gun...