Kaegi to talk assessment reforms in Palatine, Schaumburg on Saturday

Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi will visit the Northwest suburbs this weekend to talk about reforms he's started during his first 100 days in office.

The assessor is kicking off a countywide listening tour with events Saturday in Palatine and Schaumburg during which he will talk about changes he's made to the office and answer questions from taxpayers.

From 10:30 a.m. to noon, Kaegi will hold an event with Cook County Board Commissioner Scott Britton at The Grand at Twin Lakes, 920 E. Northwest Highway in Palatine. Former Glenview Elementary District 34 Superintendent Bill Attea will moderate a "fireside chat"-style discussion with Kaegi.

Then from 1 to 2:30 p.m., Kaegi will co-host an event with Commissioner Kevin Morrison on the second level of the Trickster Art Gallery, 190 S. Roselle Road in Schaumburg. Heidi Graham of the League of Women Voters will moderate the discussion.

The listening tour continues April 9 in Wilmette, April 10 in Schiller Park, and April 20 and 25 on Chicago's Northwest Side.

Kaegi defeated Joe Berrios in the Democratic primary last year amid accusations the office unfairly shifted the tax burden from wealthier property owners to the poor and middle-class residents.

Kaegi is expected to talk about his 100 Day Plan, which includes legislation he's pushing in Springfield to require operating income and expense data up front from commercial property owners - something he believes will help modernize the assessment process. Kaegi discussed the proposed legislation in February and again last week with members of the Schaumburg-based Technology & Manufacturing Association.

Kaegi also authorized an audit to identify ways to adopt best practices in assessment methodologies and operations.

A report on his first 50 days is posted online at bit.ly/AssessorCook50Days, and a formal 100 day report is expected soon, officials say.