Overview
- At a packed workshop in West Garfield Park on Monday, Assessor Fritz Kaegi faced angry questions as staff helped residents check exemptions and file appeals.
- The treasurer reports the median Chicago bill rose 16.7%, with spikes of about 133% in West Garfield Park, 99% in North Lawndale, and more than 80% in Englewood.
- The assessor’s office points to Board of Review cuts for large commercial properties and a downtown slump as shifting more of the tax burden onto homeowners.
- The Board of Review reopened appeals in 24 townships this week, though any adjustments are likely to be reflected on later installments as current bills come due Dec. 15.
- Faith leaders and local officials are pushing for a freeze or rollback, while payment-plan enrollment opens Dec. 16 through the treasurer for those unable to pay on time.