Average tax bill in Kane County on the rise again

The total amount of real estate taxes collected in Kane County will top $1.2 billion this year, and the average taxpayer will once again see an increase in their tax bill.

New numbers from Kane County Treasurer David Rickert show the average tax bill for a county resident will be about $6,245. That's about $140 more than in 2012.

It's a larger hike than the average taxpayer has seen in the past couple years. Tax bills have increased throughout the recession, but size or percentage of the increases fell the past couple years. That trend changes in 2013 as the average increase compared to last year's bill will be about 2.3 percent.

While all of the top 10 highest tax bills are associated with businesses or hospitals, Rickert said most taxes come from residential homes.

Indeed, his numbers show 75 percent of the $1.2 billion will come from residential property. Commercial property will only pay in about 15 percent.

And while the county collects the taxes, Rickert wants those homeowners to know it isn't the county that is spending the majority of the money. About 67 percent of the money collected will go to local schools. A little less than 10 percent will go to municipalities. Forest preserves and parks get the next largest chunk, about 7 percent. The county receives about 4.5 percent.

Kane County Board member Mark Davoust said the most common questions he receives are about why taxes are so high.

Davoust said it is commonly thought the county gets all or most of the money.

“When the tax bill comes, it says ‘Kane County' emblazoned on there,” Davoust said. “They look at the bill and want to know why have you done this to us. And, why aren't you fixing it?”

It may or may not be possible to include more information about where the money goes on tax bills, but Rickert said the real answer to silencing complaints about county taxes is in the election booth.

“These local elections are so important,” Rickert said of the election that just passed. “You've got to participate in these local elections.”

Tax bills will be mailed out no later than May 1. The first installment is due June 3 and the second Sept. 3.

Kane County's top taxpayers in 2013:

1. Simon/Chelsea Chicago Dev. (Chicago Premium Outlets, Aurora): $4.6 million

2. Liberty Illinois LP (Kaplan Distribution Center in Aurora): $3.95 million

3. Toyota Motor Sales USA, Inc.: $2.58 million

4. Algonquin Commons, LLC: $2.57 million

5. Geneva Commons, LP: $2.53 million

6. Spring Hill Mall, LLC: $2.2 million

7. John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc. (Fisher Nuts): $1.7 million

8. ALDI, Inc.: $1.19 million

9. Sherman Hospital: $1.14 million

10. Regency Canterfield, LLC: $1.12 million

SOURCE: Kane County Treasurer