District 211 demands Cook County fix late tax bills, asks county to seek recompense from vendor

Township High School District 211's Board of Education on Thursday adopted a resolution calling on Cook County officials to resolve systemic issues that delayed issuance of 2024 second-installment property tax bills. The board said the delay forced taxing districts — including District 211 — to wait for revenue, resulting in lost investment interest and straining local cash flow.

Details of the resolution: The resolution states the second-installment tax bills for the 2024 tax year were not issued until Nov. 16 with a Dec. 15 due date, more than four months late from the usual late-June cycle. The board attributed the delay to ongoing computer system problems involving vendor Tyler Technologies and administrative delays within the treasurer's office. The resolution directs the superintendent to forward a copy to Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Cook County Assessor Fritz Keg, Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon and other county and state officials.

Board comment: "We want our money on time and we want some interest because you didn't get it to us," a trustee summarized during discussion. The resolution asks Cook County to implement permanent solutions, safeguards and to seek recompense from Tyler Technologies for any failure to professionally implement the new computer system.

What the resolution requests: Prompt correction of computer and administrative issues; collaboration among county offices (assessor, board of review, clerk, treasurer); reimbursement or recompense strategies; and reporting back to affected taxing districts.

Next steps: The superintendent will forward the resolution to county officials and legislators representing District 211.