Lesson On Taxes From Kankakee

In Beecher, Illinois the village, fire department, Township and the school district are all proposing increases in their property taxes.

Each is proposing a double-digit tax hike -- all designed to bring in higher taxes from new property.

The Village approved a 27 percent hike in the operating levy and cut debt service levy by 4.5 percent for an overall increase of 22.5 percent.

"All but 3.4 percent of this increase will come from new construction added to the books in 2006," said Village Administrator Bob Barber.

"Village residents who paid a property tax bill in 2006 will not see more than a 3.4 percent increase in the amount they pay the village next year. Barber added that, for the most part, the village's property tax has gone down over the past 12 years. "A home valued at $200,000 in 1994 paid $495.53 in property tax to the village," Barber said. The same home will pay an estimated $389.27 under the new levy.

Of course, the assessed valuations have also skyrocketed in the last 12 years so that same homewowner's property is now probably valued at $300,000 +!

The fire protection district is seeking a 39 percent hike.

Washington Township has proposed 16 percent increases in the township's property tax bill and in the township's road district.

Lest any gravy be left on this train, Beecher School Board seeks a 19 percent tax hike. It's estimated that there is roughly $10 million in new construction to tap in this district.

Superintendent George Obradovich said the school's request is "in line with the other taxing bodies".

So it's OK if everyone ELSE is doing it.

Still not content, the Beecher Village Board will hold public hearings on a proposed half-cent sales tax referendum. The referendum will be on the April 3 ballot.

Now I want someone to tell us that taxes AREN'T going up because the RATES are stable. Look at the SPENDING, folks.

If you have the stomach for it you may read the full article here:

Property taxes on the rise
Kankakee Daily Journal - Kankakee,IL,USA
... higher taxes from new property. Tax caps keep the property tax bite modest for most taxpayers. Village trustees Tuesday approved a ...