18th District county board candidates discuss property taxes

In a better economy, traffic congestion usually is the top beef of Lake County voters. But in the current climate, high property taxes is the biggest complaint, say candidates for the 18th District county board seat.

Incumbent Aaron Lawlor of Vernon Hills and challenger Kay Hoogland, a Long Grove Democrat, say the county can do its part to ease taxes by cutting costs, though they vary on the depth.

Their views come from a joint candidate interview and questionnaires.

Hoogland, 54, a labor and employment attorney, said officials downplay the impact of the county and forest preserve spending, which amounts to 10 percent of the average tax bill.

“If each governmental unit takes that approach, Lake County residents will never see their taxes fall," Hoogland charged.

She said county board members, who also serve as forest district commissioners, need to take ownership of its share of the property tax problem.

Private sector experience is needed to drive down the cost of government, she contends, and the cuts that have been made weren't enough.

“You have to translate what people are going through in their homes to the scrutiny given to the county budget," she said. More “common sense logic needs to be applied to necessities versus luxuries, she added, for a deeper percentage cut.

Lawlor, 28, was appointed in summer 2009 to fill the spot left open when Pam Newton resigned to become the chief operating officer of Hawthorn Woods. He said he has proposed or voted to cut county spending 12 times, including freezing salaries for officials up for election, and has given back his own raise.

Cuts totaled $6 million last year, with $9 million proposed this year. Lawlor said it is imperative the county balance its budget by spending cuts rather than increasing taxes or using reserves.

Although “the county is less reliant on property taxes than people think, more trimming can and should be done," he added.

“It can make a difference and send a message," Lawlor said. But there are legal limitations as to what the county can do, he added. Lawlor listed property tax relief as his second priority behind cost cutting.

State legislators should consider proposals to change the way local assessors are required to calculate tax assessments, Lawlor said.

He advocated using a one- or two-year average, rather than three years, to calculate home values during economic downturns so assessments more closely match the market.

“How can one person keep tabs on the numerous taxing bodies on their property tax bill and make a difference? We need to work together with state and local leaders, get everyone at the table and start working toward meaningful reform."

Lawlor said the issue has to be addressed “from all angles including cost cutting, assessment reform and any other alternatives." He said he has increased community outreach to help residents navigate a frustrating and confusing process.

Hoogland described the tax process as rivaling the IRS code in complexity and jargon. She said there is no immediate cure but the county and forest district can take quick action by doing a line-by-line review of budget, operations and organization.

“There needs to be a new rigor and skill set at the county board to achieve real reductions," she said. “Until these spending reductions occur, taxes will gobble up every penny they can to feed county."

She agreed assessments do not adequately reflect the impact of distressed properties and said the formula needs to be changed to more accurately reflect current values.

Reforming school funding, eliminating or consolidating multiple layers of government and imposing sharper budget controls on the remaining units of government should be among the long-term solutions, according to Hoogland.