Illinois Quick Hits: County study reflects massive property tax hikes

Illinois Quick Hits: County study reflects massive property tax hikes

Spread the love

(The Center Square) – According to a study by Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas, property taxes in the county increased at twice the rate of inflation and well above the rate of wage growth from 1995 to 2024.

The report says local officials took advantage of loopholes in a state law designed to limit tax increases to 5% or the rate of inflation, whichever is less.

School districts, which accounted for nearly 55% of the county’s property taxes in 2024, hiked taxes by 189.4% during the past 30 years.

CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS CEO TO REMAIN

The Chicago Board of Education has chosen Macquline King to lead Chicago Public Schools for the next three years.

King has served as interim superintendent/CEO since last June.

When her new three-year contract takes effect on July 1, King will receive a taxpayer-funded salary of $380,000 per year.

O’FALLON POLICE CAPTURE ALLEGED BANK ROBBER

Federal authorities are crediting O’Fallon police for nabbing a bank robbery suspect.

George E. Habermehl Jr., 62, is accused of robbing a bank on Highway 50 on March 20.

Prosecutors say the O’Fallon Police Department released still images on social media and received tips identifying Habermehl, who was on probation for bank robbery and recently absconded.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Committee-Land Use.Graphic

Land Use Committee Advances Mokena Scrap Yard and Homer Glen Landscape Business Over Local Objections

Will County Land Use & Development Committee Meeting | February 5, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Land Use Committee approved special use permits for two businesses in Frankfort and...
Screenshot 2026-02-22 at 4.29.56 PM

District 210 Reports Insurance Deficit Amid National Healthcare Cost Spikes; Finances Remain Stable

Lincoln-Way District 210 Board of Education Meeting | February 19, 2026 Article Summary: Assistant Superintendent Michael Duback reported a $630,000 deficit in the District’s medical plan performance for the 2025...
Foxx to face questions about murder conviction review ‘investigations’

Foxx to face questions about murder conviction review ‘investigations’

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Former Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx should need to answer questions under oath about her decision to direct her deputies to...
Illinois Quick Hits: North Chicago manufacturing expansion announced

Illinois Quick Hits: North Chicago manufacturing expansion announced

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – State officials have announced that AbbVie will build two new pharmaceutical ingredient manufacturing facilities at its North...
Local government advocates oppose Pritzker plan to cut distributions

Local government advocates oppose Pritzker plan to cut distributions

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Advocates for Illinois communities are expressing opposition to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s planned reduction of the state’s revenue...
new-lenox-fire-district-stations.2

New Lenox Fire District Exploring Land Swap with Village for New Training Facility

New Lenox Fire Protection District Board of Trustees Meeting | January 19, 2026 Article Summary:Fire Chief Adam Riegel announced the District is engaged in ongoing discussions with the Village of...
WATCH: Illinois diversity leaders dodge questions as they slip farther from goals

WATCH: Illinois diversity leaders dodge questions as they slip farther from goals

By Jared Strong | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois' highly paid diversity commissioners dodged in-person questions from The Center Square last week about their decisions...
Illinois Quick Hits: Road fund could help renovate Soldier Field

Illinois Quick Hits: Road fund could help renovate Soldier Field

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Chicago Park District officials are reportedly planning to use Illinois gas tax revenue to help transform Soldier...
solar panels photovoltaics in solar farm

Planning Commission Backs 5-MW Peotone Solar Farm; Developer Pledges Pollinator Habitat and Community Funds

Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | February 17, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval for a new 5-megawatt commercial solar farm...
Screenshot 2026-02-22 at 5.06.42 PM

Joliet Junior College Board Approves $2 Tuition Increase Amidst Heated Debate Over Enrollment and Spending

Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees Meeting | February 18, 2026 Article Summary: The Joliet Junior College (JJC) Board of Trustees on Wednesday voted to increase tuition by $2 per...
New-Lenox-School-122.2

New Lenox District 122 Kicks Off 2026-2027 Budget Cycle, Approves Minor Registration Fee Increase

New Lenox School District 122 Meeting | January 20, 2026 Article Summary: The New Lenox School District 122 Board of Education officially initiated its 2026-2027 financial planning cycle, unanimously authorizing tentative...
New Lenox Park District

New Lenox Park District Outlines Aggressive 2026 Development Plan, Addresses Crossroads Sinkhole

New Lenox Community Park District Board of Commissioners Meeting | January 21, 2026 Article Summary:The New Lenox Community Park District provided critical updates on major facility projects for 2026, including...
new-lenox-library.2-1

New Lenox Library Explores Rebranding Ahead of 25th Anniversary on the Commons

New Lenox Public Library District Board of Trustees Meeting | January 19, 2026 Article Summary:As the New Lenox Public Library District prepares to celebrate its 25th anniversary on the Village...
Screenshot 2026-02-22 at 4.29.56 PM

Lincoln-Way Board Ratifies Three-Year Support Staff Contract with Significant Hourly Raises

Lincoln-Way District 210 Board of Education Meeting | February 19, 2026 Article Summary: The Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Board of Education ratified a new three-year collective bargaining agreement...
new-lenox-fire-district-stations.4

Battalion Chief Brian Applegate Promoted to Deputy Chief as New Lenox Fire District Surpasses 6,000 Annual Calls

New Lenox Fire Protection District Board of Trustees Meeting | January 19, 2026 Article Summary:The New Lenox Fire Protection District Board of Trustees officially instructed the Fire Commission to appoint...