High customer service on early tax payments

This is a rare (for me) kudos to Cook County for the extraordinary customer-oriented service of the office of Treasurer Maria Pappas regarding property tax payments. Like thousands of other Cook property owners, I decided to prepay the first installment of next year's tax on the chance I may benefit from a change in the very new Federal tax law. Facing a Dec. 31 deadline and watching media accounts of the prepayment chaos in other states, I dreaded the long lines and convoluted process I would likely face.

The payment could not have been simpler. First, I easily downloaded a copy of my upcoming bill and viewed the short and clear payment instructions on the Treasurer's office website. That website offers, among others, online, mail, and local Chase Bank payment options. I chose the latter and was in and out of my local branch in several minutes.

Here's a wish that in 2018, other government entities will follow the Treasurer's office lead in designing their processes for their customers' ease of use.

Have a very happy new year.

Chris Ellis

Palatine