In your Sun Day Issue, Volume 9, Number 16, I thought that Ms. Eudice Germaine’s letter was most appropriate for my issue. Allow me to explain:
In May of this year, I, as well as so many residents, were shocked by the 6.14% tax increase by District 158, so I thought there was an error. Quoting D-158 Chief Financial Officer Mark Altmayer: “At 2.1% a homeowner with a $200,000 home will see an approximate $79 increase in the property tax for the school district. Please note, exclusive of the 2.1%, taxpayers should be aware that the individual bills may go up or down on the individual assessment as determine by the township assessor.”
I contacted Mr. Altmayer to inquire about the increase and to find out if there was an error? He advised me of the method used to determine the increase. Using his method, my taxes should be an additional $64.69, not the aforementioned $79. I contacted Mr. Altmayer again about the discrepancy, and he said my calculations were correct; however, he blamed Kane County and Kane County Treasurer, our assessors, and others for the very high increases.
Based on this, I contacted the D-158 School Board, regarding the discrepancy, but I received no response.
I believe that most of our Sun City residents desire to help our school, just like other generations did; however, these increases are totally out of hand. As you may know the Rutland property assessment for the next year is a 5% increase, meaning another large D-158 increase.
If you concur with the large increase, so be it…. However, if you agree with me, please contact D-158, our congressperson, Kane County, the newspaper, Mr. Armstrong of the Assessment office, etc., regarding these very high taxes. Without you, nothing will happen.
Ronald Ghilardi
Sun City resident
