County handling tax bills poorly

Upon receiving our property tax bill last week, I wasn't sure whether I should laugh or cry. But it was far from a humorous matter. I must admit I was incredulous at the amount our taxes increased. And subsequently, in talking with friends and co-workers from various suburbs, I discovered that they were hit hard too, and everyone was in shock.

My first question is why were we told that the first installment was high, but that was because it was going to be more than 50 percent of our total bill? Obviously the people in the assessor's office can do basic math, so they must have known that the first installment was not half of the bill.

Secondly, how can our property values be less than before, and our taxes more? It is not our fault that the government is in a horrendous financial situation. What kind of financial position do they think the ordinary homeowner is in? If they are working, and many are not, then they are still faced with rising costs in almost every facet of their lives. And then there are the retirees, many of whom may have their mortgages paid off but may not be able to stay in their homes because they cannot afford the taxes.

Of course the final straw is that the politicians didn't want these bills out before we cast our votes on November 2. That ploy was obviously an attempt to avoid the voter's wrath after seeing these bills. So now they are due 12 days before Christmas. That's a great way to help the economy, as supposedly the politicians want to do. If you have to make a choice between spending money on gifts or paying your taxes, I guess it's clear what your choice has to be.

Barbara Kohn

Palatine