Three-fourths of Cook County property tax hikes for public safety fund retirements, not protection
New report finds property taxes to fund police, fire pensions have multiplied nearly five times since 1996

CHICAGO (Dec. 15, 2025) – Property tax bills are due today and Cook County homeowners will be paying tax bills that grew 16% this year, but new research shows they are not getting the police and fire protection they expect for those dollars. They are paying for pensions.

According to the Illinois Policy Institute, of the nearly $570 million in property taxes allocated for Cook County’s police and fire departments in 2023, only about one-fourth, or $147 million, went toward protective services. The remaining $423 million was spent on pensions. 

In total, property taxes to fund police and fire pensions in Cook County have grown nearly five times since 1996, totaling $335 million in property tax hikes. The results exclude Chicago city services.

“Illinoisans are paying more but getting less safety in return,” said LyLena Estabine, policy researcher at the Illinois Policy Institute. “Rising pension costs mean fewer resources available for patrol officers and firefighters, including training and equipment updates. Public safety workers deserve generous pensions, but these benefits now undermine their retirement security. This isn’t sustainable for taxpayers, or first responders.”

Institute experts suggest state and local leaders can stabilize finances and provide property tax relief by implementing local pension buyout programs, offering 401(k)-style retirement plans and amending the Illinois Constitution to control the growth of future, unearned benefits.

To learn more about Cook County’s pension crisis, visit illin.is/cookpensions.

For bookings or interviews, contact media@illinoispolicy.org or (312) 607-4977.