LaSalle County board scrutinizes assessors' performance amid mounting tax assessment concerns

Concerns over property assessments and accountability took center stage at the LaSalle County government meeting on April 15, 2025. Officials raised critical questions about the effectiveness of township assessors, who are responsible for ensuring accurate property evaluations and fair tax collection.

The discussion highlighted that many assessors have not been fulfilling their duties, with some townships failing to update property records for years. "Are we actually getting a proper assessment and taxed properly throughout the county?" one official questioned, emphasizing the potential for significant financial losses due to inadequate assessments. The lack of uniformity in property evaluations was a major concern, as it could lead to unfair tax burdens on residents.

Officials noted that assessors are either elected or contracted by townships, but oversight appears limited. The only consequence for failing to perform their duties is a $500 fine from the state's attorney, which many argued is insufficient compared to the salaries these assessors receive. "If we took a paycheck every month and never showed up for a meeting, there would be some criminal liability," one official stated, calling for greater accountability.

The meeting also touched on the legal restrictions that prevent assessors from adjusting property values based on recent sales, a practice known as "chasing sales." This has led to discrepancies in property valuations, further complicating the tax system. "If they're not doing everybody the same, then again, you got another big problem," an official remarked.

As the meeting concluded, officials expressed a need for legislative changes to enhance oversight and accountability for assessors. The discussion underscored the urgency of addressing these issues to ensure fair taxation and proper governance in LaSalle County.