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The assessor’s office is increasing valuations of property in Cook County at an alarming rate, by 30 to 50 percent in some cases. Concurrently the county, hospital, school and EDA also will add their individual levies for 2022. Since Cook County tax revenue will automatically increase with increased property value… shouldn’t those additional levy funds not be required? Do residents with higher property values receive any more county services than those with less assessed value property? Not really. All property owners have similar access to county services, law enforcement and fire department coverage. Roadway plowing and maintenance is provided. Hospital and clinic services are equally available, as is school enrollment opportunity for those with children. Any business activity generated by the EDA is supposedly beneficial to all county residents. Although, it seems that tax abatements are currently being handed out like Halloween candy. Apparently the assessor’s office feels that property value is not necessarily what drives the amount of property tax you pay. Of course, it does…or why would they regularly do evaluations? Many county residents have been suffering financially for the past two years, food insecurity has become widespread, and some local businesses have concerns about economic viability. Certainly, wages aren’t keeping up with the cost of inflation and another half percent has been added to the local sales tax. County government has grown beyond reason considering the size of our population. Cook County has been promoted as Mecca as a tourist destination and property acquisition as an investment is on the rise. Something needs to change.
Bob LaMettry,
Grand Marais
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