Soaring property assessments upset Schaumburg-area residents

Though the holiday provided a respite, the staff at the Schaumburg Township offices expect concerned residents to return en mass Monday to file objections to their property assessments.

Cook County and Schaumburg Township assessor offices estimate assessments increased by about 30 percent in the triennial revaluing of property. Notices of the new assessments began arriving in the mail on Nov. 6. The new assessments will be used in figuring next year's property tax bills.

About 100 taxpayers each day have flooded the township center with phone calls or visits needing answers, said the township's Chief Deputy Assessor Ofelia "Rey" Garcia. The deadline to file an objection at the township center is Dec. 18.

"Be sure to bring your appeal notice," Garcia said.

The median assessed value of a home in the township was $31,951, said Cook County assessor's office spokesman Dana Marberry.

Nothing is new with the objection process. Residents can visit the township office or the Cook County assessor's office in Rolling Meadows to file an objection.

The office will then look over the request and mail a written response within six to eight weeks of receiving the objection detailing the decision.

Officials advise residents to go into the assessor's office to look up the assessments on other neighborhood properties. That way homeowners will get a better idea if a mistake has been made.

Emil Barbato of Schaumburg took a number and sat Wednesday morning waiting to file his objection at the township office.

"I'm 55 years old and I'm planning for retirement," Barbato said. "This is quite an impact."

Barbato pulled out his notice, which showed his assessment had risen about 26 percent for his single-family home. He anticipated a 7 percent increase.

But Barbato and others praised the township staff and said they were helpful and patient in explaining how to appeal.

Marberry, the county spokesman, mentioned programs for the disabled and veterans on active duty.

Disabled residents who qualify could get $2,000 off their property value, while a one-time $5,000 exemption is in the works for veterans who qualify.

"We're still looking for more ways of finding property tax relief for homeowners," Marberry said.

More than 134,000 residents live in the township, which includes parts of Elk Grove Village, Hanover Park, Hoffman Estates, Rolling Meadows, Roselle, Schaumburg and Streamwood as well as some unincorporated areas of Cook County.

For more information and to print out online forms, visit www.cookcountyassessor.com and schaumburgtownship.org/assessor.htm.