McLean County officials explain assessments, equalization and how to file a tax complaint

My name is Tim Jorzak, McLean County supervisor of assessments, said he led an information session for residents to explain how property taxes are calculated and what taxpayers can do if they disagree with values.

Property tax, he said, "is the primary means of funding local government." He described Illinois assessment law, the county’s equalization role and the complaint process for property owners who believe their property’s fair cash value is incorrect.

The session focused on three practical points: how assessors determine value, how equalization keeps taxes fair across townships and counties, and how taxpayers can challenge valuations. Jorzak said equalization is necessary to keep every property assessed at the same portion of its fair cash value and to avoid a state-imposed adjustment that would limit local appeal rights.

How values are set

Jorzak explained that most properties are valued at "fair cash value," which Illinois law defines as the amount a property would sell for in an arm’s-length transaction between a willing buyer and a willing seller. He said farmland is treated differently and is valued on "value in use." For most other property, assessed value in McLean County is 33 1/3 percent of fair cash value, with Cook County an exception.

He described mass-appraisal techniques: township assessors collect measurements, photos and sales data; the county office receives those rolls about June 15; and assessors apply cost tables or market-derived rates across groups of properties rather than reappraising each parcel individually.

Equalization and why it matters

Jorzak said equalization adjusts assessed values so the median…