Border war: In Quad Cities, Illinois shrinks as Iowa grows
Border war: In Quad Cities, Illinois shrinks as Iowa grows
The Quad Cities are a case study in how the Land of Lincoln is lagging behind its neighbors.
Mundelein fire department dispute shows weight of growing pension costs
Mundelein fire department dispute shows weight of growing pension costs
Village officials are trying to control expenses by cutting staff as growing pension costs continue to gobble up local tax dollars.
Bryan Reehoff
Bryan Reehoff
“I’ve had about 17 years of buying and selling homes. “There’s some good deals here. I’ve looked at some pretty big properties here. But the bigger commercial pieces are cheap because the taxes are high. “We’re actively trying to buy more commercial property, and the realtors say ‘go ahead and pass [the property taxes] on...
Capping Madigan’s spending
Capping Madigan’s spending
US Supreme Court to hear arguments in landmark labor case, Janus v. AFSCME
US Supreme Court to hear arguments in landmark labor case, Janus v. AFSCME
For the last four decades, millions of government workers across the nation have faced an unfair decision: Pay fees to a union, or lose your job. But Janus v. AFSCME could restore government workers' constitutional rights to freedom of speech and association.
Sangamon County homeowners: Where do your property taxes go?
Sangamon County homeowners: Where do your property taxes go?
Sangamon County billed homeowners $215 million in 2017. This meant owners of a $127,000 Springfield home had a $2,600 property tax bill.
Metro East taxpayers struggle to keep up with state spending
Metro East taxpayers struggle to keep up with state spending
Residents in Madison and St. Clair counties find themselves fleeced by lawmakers' failure to control state finances.
Lake Bluff consolidation proposal could save taxpayers $500K
Lake Bluff consolidation proposal could save taxpayers $500K
A joint service agreement between two fire departments could save Lake Bluff more than $500,000 over five years, once fully implemented. The plan would be a welcome change of pace for residents, as Lake County homeowners pay some of the highest property taxes in the nation.
Exodus: This is fine
Exodus: This is fine
Shrinking Decatur to face budgetary hurdles in coming year
Shrinking Decatur to face budgetary hurdles in coming year
After passing an unbalanced budget in 2017, Decatur will have to address its declining population and revenue as it looks ahead to crafting future budgets.
Illinois’ economy continues to fall behind other states, according to fiscal forecast
Illinois’ economy continues to fall behind other states, according to fiscal forecast
The worst years of the Great Recession are in the rear view. But if the latest gloomy fiscal forecast is any indication, Illinois' persistent policy mistakes will drag down its economic performance well into the future.
Report: Cook County property tax assessment process unfair to poorer homeowners
Report: Cook County property tax assessment process unfair to poorer homeowners
A new study confirms Cook County's broken property tax assessment system causes owners of lower-value homes to bear a disproportionate share of the tax burden.
The most misleading myths in Illinois politics
The most misleading myths in Illinois politics
Fixing what ails the state requires Illinoisans of all political stripes to be honest about how they got here.
McHenry Township voters will get a voice on local government consolidation
McHenry Township voters will get a voice on local government consolidation
Following years of work by consolidation advocates, the McHenry Township board of trustees passed a motion allowing voters to decide whether to dissolve their local road district in November.