Yohna Hornbuckle: 50% property tax rise threatens Rantoul man’s homeownership

Illinois is No. 1 in the nation for property taxes, an uncomfortable reality for Rantoul homeowner Yohna Hornbuckle. His property taxes are up 50% in six years and threaten his ability to stay.

Yohna Hornbuckle’s property tax bill has gone up 50% since 2019, which he blames on local government spending in Rantoul and fears will soon cost him his house.

Hornbuckle’s house is nothing fancy, just 1,800 square feet, one bath and a fenced-in yard.

“Just basics of what I want, need and nothing lavish,” he said. “I purchased this home because I love it. I love the property that I’m on. I just love everything about it.”

Hornbuckle bought the house from a friend for $50,000. That first year, the property taxes were $1,540. He said that seemed fair.

Now the bill is $2,297.

“I’m still underneath the mortgage, so my property taxes are settled through my mortgage payment. That payment continues to go up and rise every year. That means every month, I’ve got to tighten the belt and pay more towards the mortgage,” he said.

Hornbuckle said he believes his taxes have gone up because of extra cash the local government is spending, but not on things the community really needs.

“Our township has built a sports complex on the far side of town to bring in tourism and tax dollars. Still not seeing much there,” he said. “It’s not taking the pressure off of homeowners. And we’re not having the funds allocated where they should go, such as fixing the roads.”

“I have a very small car, something economical, gas-smart. I hit one of those potholes, I definitely feel it. Recently, I hit something that damaged my vehicle and ended up having to go for an $1,100 repair,” he said.

“This current bill, the largest chunk was the educational, Rantoul schools. They took [nearly] $1,000.”

Another $510 goes to the local high school. Combined, the elementary and high schools get 64% of Hornbuckle’s property taxes.

“The high school itself is under construction and being developed. Yay! But can we focus the money towards educating the children? I’m not getting my money’s worth,” he said.

High property taxes are an issue across Illinois – with the highest effective property tax rate in the nation, meaning homeowners on average pay 1.83% of their home’s value per year in property taxes. But for that cash, only 1 in 5 Illinoisans believe their government services are worth the price, according to a 2023 survey.

Hornbuckle is a forklift driver and said his wife’s job is keeping them from moving because it provides her with a path to student loan forgiveness. But when they meet that goal, they may be looking to leave Illinois.

“With other states offering better options, that’s what’s going to lose residents,” he said.

“Yes we love our home, but if Illinois is going to keep going this rate, we can’t afford to stay here. Eventually, inevitably, I’m going to get priced out.”