Investigation: Madigan firm the biggest player in commercial property tax appeals
Investigation: Madigan firm the biggest player in commercial property tax appeals
A new investigation by the Chicago Tribune and ProPublica Illinois reveals the mismanagement of the Cook County property tax system, and the politically connected firms who profit from it.
By Austin Berg
Elgin residents facing multitude of tax and fee hikes
Elgin residents facing multitude of tax and fee hikes
A 2018 budget proposal for Elgin includes a new gas tax, an increase in water and sewer rates, and other tax hikes.
By Brendan Bakala
Belleville to consider $1.2 million property tax hike
Belleville to consider $1.2 million property tax hike
The city’s property tax levy would increase by nearly 12 percent, with most of the funding going toward police and fire pensions.
By Brendan Bakala
NIU Board of Trustees unanimously approves $600,000 severance for former president
NIU Board of Trustees unanimously approves $600,000 severance for former president
The Northern Illinois University Board of Trustees approved an expensive severance package for former university President Doug Baker, despite the scandal ending his tenure.
Decatur passes budget out of balance by $3 million
Decatur passes budget out of balance by $3 million
As its population and tax base erode, the city of Decatur passed a budget for fiscal year 2018 more than $3 million in the red.
NIU board to vote on $600,000 severance package for former president
NIU board to vote on $600,000 severance package for former president
The Board of Trustees at Northern Illinois University granted a $600,000 severance package to outgoing university President Doug Baker, who resigned following a state investigation into his management of the university. But after a court struck down that agreement, the board is set to vote again.
Danville passes property tax and fee hikes to pay for pensions
Danville passes property tax and fee hikes to pay for pensions
Owners of Danville property will pay fees of up to $1,020 a year just for local pensions, on top of rising property tax bills.
By Brendan Bakala
Palatine passes property tax hike to pay for pensions
Palatine passes property tax hike to pay for pensions
Palatine homeowners will see higher property tax bills in order to pay for higher local pension costs, as well as a dip in state funding.
By Brendan Bakala
Normal Town Council approves increase in property tax levy
Normal Town Council approves increase in property tax levy
The Town Council voted unanimously for a tax levy increase, which is expected to result in higher property taxes in 2018.
By Brendan Bakala
Cook County’s notorious soda tax ends today
Cook County’s notorious soda tax ends today
With the repeal of the Cook County sweetened beverage tax, taxpayers remind elected officials who they represent.
By Chris Lentino
Illinois borrowing $750M at near-junk credit rating
Illinois borrowing $750M at near-junk credit rating
The state is borrowing millions to finance capital construction projects and information technology improvements. But Illinoisans continue to pay for the worst credit rating of any state in the nation.
By Austin Berg
Chicago earns an F in new fiscal report card
Chicago earns an F in new fiscal report card
A new study shows the Windy City’s financial troubles persist, despite a series of tax increases.
By Vincent Caruso
Palatine plans property tax hike as officials ponder other taxes, service cuts
Palatine plans property tax hike as officials ponder other taxes, service cuts
The village and school district will likely raise their property tax levies.
By Brendan Bakala
Southern Illinois University chancellor urges administrative spending cuts
Southern Illinois University chancellor urges administrative spending cuts
Despite objections from faculty, one university chancellor is pressing for a campus restructuring that includes curbing the tuition-heightening costs of administrative bloat.
By Vincent Caruso