Assessor reports multipliers, appeals and requests formal appointment; committee moves to executive session on compensation

LaSalle County’s assessor staff on Nov. 18 reported final corrected‑value counts for 2025, outlined several townships with high multipliers and disclosed 181 assessment appeals pending as the office moves through the quadrennial review.

Assessor staff said the office filed required equalization reports on Oct. 30 and received a tentative 1% multiplier back from the state; publication and notices were completed. Several townships showed high multipliers — examples cited included Hope Township (~18.5%), Deer Park (~18%), Manlius (~20%) and Bruce (~16%) — which staff said will likely require additional reassessment work and may affect tax liabilities once final multipliers are certified.

The assessor also noted recently passed legislation (awaiting signature) that raises the income limit for the low‑income senior freeze from $65,000 to $75,000 in 2026, $77,000 in 2027 and $79,000 in 2028; that change will also affect the senior tax‑deferral program.

During the meeting, staffer Abby said she has passed the assessor exam and requested formal appointment to the position and to remain at her current pay after 25 years in the office. Several committee members voiced support. The committee then voted to enter executive session to discuss employee compensation under ILCS 20 (motion by Mister Templeton, second by Mister Bailey); a roll call vote recorded all present members voting “Aye.”

Committee discussion also addressed difficulty enforcing assessor duties for some townships, including the limited enforcement penalty noted in the meeting (described in the transcript as a $500 fine), and proposals to increase oversight via letters, attendance at township meetings and contract reviews.