Planes, trains and automobiles: Chicago’s high travel taxes
Planes, trains and automobiles: Chicago’s high travel taxes
Chicago has some of the highest taxes on travelers in the nation.
Bad Santa: Illinois’ ‘sin taxes’ among the highest in the country
Bad Santa: Illinois’ ‘sin taxes’ among the highest in the country
Despite diminishing returns, the Prairie State has yet to kick its excise tax habit.
Tax Increment Financing: Christmas year-round for local politicians, developers
Tax Increment Financing: Christmas year-round for local politicians, developers
Statewide use of slush funds ensures it’s Christmas every day for political leaders and their chosen developers.
State lawmaker plans to introduce township consolidation bill
State lawmaker plans to introduce township consolidation bill
State Rep. David McSweeney, R-Barrington Hills, is working on the framework for a bill that would dramatically improve taxpayers’ ability to eliminate township governments, of which Illinois has about 1,400.
The ‘magic’ of Metra: Higher costs, lower service
The ‘magic’ of Metra: Higher costs, lower service
Costs for Metra's administrative workers, including managers, lawyers, accountants and IT specialists went up 54 percent over the last five years.
This Christmas, property taxes are robbing the McCallisters
This Christmas, property taxes are robbing the McCallisters
Since 1990, the owners of 671 Lincoln Avenue have paid more than $783,000 in property taxes when adjusting for inflation.
Local advocate for property tax reform faces dangerous backlash
Local advocate for property tax reform faces dangerous backlash
Local barber Bob Anderson has endured two attempts at intimidation since being elected to the McHenry Township Board on a platform of consolidation.
Elmhurst City Council OKs property tax hike for pensions
Elmhurst City Council OKs property tax hike for pensions
The Chicago suburb’s decision to raise the levy will result in a 3.1 percent hike in the city’s portion of property tax bills, marking the first such increase in four years.
Hoffman Estates passes property tax hike
Hoffman Estates passes property tax hike
Seeing rising pension costs, a decline in state assistance, and a new state tax-collection fee, in 2018 the village plans to raise the property tax levy 4.9 percent and make a 1.2 percent cut to the village’s budgeted revenues, in addition to a 1.7 percent spending cut.
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.
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.
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.
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.