Lake County streamlines property assessment appeal process
In response to a jump in the number of tax appeals, Lake County authorities have streamlined the process for taxpayers who question the values assigned to their properties.
The action, announced recently by chief county assessment officer Marty Paulson, could provide quicker answers to contested figures and possibly keep taxpayers from having to travel to Waukegan for a hearing before the Lake County Board of Review.
In the new process, the board of review, an appointed panel that reviews and makes determinations on appeals, will evaluate evidence submitted by a taxpayer or their representative and the respective township assessor.
When the evidence is clear, the board can render a preliminary decision. The taxpayer can accept the decision or continue through the formal hearing process.
The action will save time, and appeals will be able to be resolved much more quickly, according to Paulson.
Assessment notices are being mailed to property owners in Lake County’s 18 townships, although some already have received them.
Paulson said recent appeal filings from three townships have increased as much as four fold, a situation that has been ongoing the past few years. The change was recommended based on success of a similar program in Winnebago County, according to a news release on the new process.
“What the board of review is doing is an admirable thing. The question is, will they do it admirably,” said Steve Minsky, vice president of the Grayslake-based Citizens Action Project.
The grass-roots group formed in 2007 in response to high assessments, and its annual information sessions at the Byron Colby Barn have been packed.
The group has met with every major stakeholder to discuss what’s right or wrong about the assessment process and what needs to be done, according to Minsky.
And while the group’s public education efforts continue, the method has changed.
“We feel, through social media, we can get through to more people than holding an event and it’s happened,” Minsky said. With only fraction of the assessment notices received, the group already has had about 1,200 views of its how-to-appeal video, he said.
Minsky said the new review process was encouraging, but cautioned taxpayers to be vigilant. He added that dealing directly with township assessors is the easiest way to a possible assessment reduction before pursuing an appeal.
“Our priority is to make it easiest for the homeowner,” he said. “You don’t even have to call them — you can email.”
Public information meetings regarding the tax process are scheduled for Oct. 22 and Nov. 12 at the College of Lake County.
Staff from Paulson’s office also will be available at several tax assessment help centers scheduled through mid-November. Visit www.lakecountyil.gov/assessor.