SUN CITY – Kane County’s mailing of its 2010 real estate tax bills to Rutland’s Sun City residents, payable in 2011, caused a groundswell of negative reaction. Many Sun City taxpayers discovered that their real estate tax had grown substantially, some nearly 20%. In reaction to a high level of anger and concern, a group of interested volunteers convened to look into what had happened and to discover what could be done to address the situation. Grafton Township Sun City residents may have seen similar increases when their bills were received.
A group identified as the Property Tax Analysis Group, P-TAG, immediately began researching how the levies of entities such as school districts, forest districts, etc. are allocated across county lines, how the equalization factors are applied, application of the three-year averaging of property assessments by different townships, and similar issues involved in determining a tax on a property. P-TAG is contacting state, county, and township officials to gather their input into the process and the reasons for the large tax increase this year.
The Sun City Volunteer Civics Committee is inviting Sun City residents to attend a P-TAG organized property tax presentation 9 a.m June 18 at Drendel Hall. The meeting will focus on the causes of the high 2010 property taxes in affected townships, potential tax rebates, and possible changes in tax laws. The presentation will have talks by county and township officials to provide residents with information and advice about the taxes.
While P-TAG is looking into what may be in error and what may be done about it, it is important for residents to know that property taxes cannot be appealed or protested. They are advised to pay their property taxes on time by June 1. To fail to do so could result in penalties.
Look forward to more information about P-TAG and property tax issues as we near the June presentation.
