Peoria County assessment supervisor says senior-freeze income limit raised to $75,000 and office faces staffing strain

Supervisor of Assessments Dave Ryan told the Peoria County Ways and Means Committee on March 23 that the state raised the household income threshold for the senior property-tax freeze to $75,000 in 2026, a change that has increased walk-in traffic to the assessments office.

"They did raise that uh, limit in 2026 to $75,000 household income," Ryan said, describing the increased volume of inquiries and applications the office is handling. He said the office sent senior-freeze exemption forms last month and is assisting more residents as a result.

Ryan described temporary staffing measures after several vacancies: he was rehired part time in November to help mainly in Limestone Township; two staff were out sick recently; one person retired; and an additional homestead clerk is expected to start on March 30 if hiring proceeds as planned. "So if everything goes well, that'll be the start date," he said about the new hire.

On assessment valuations, Ryan summarized the state’s annual sales-ratio study, which reviews sales and assessments by township over a three-year period. He said local assessments are "still trending below what things are selling for," and that Peoria County is likely to receive a positive equalization factor, though the factor may be slightly down from last year in some townships.

Ryan also noted board-of-review personnel changes: Sid Ruckriegel will leave the board of review and Josh Smith, who previously served, will take his place. He said appeals from taxpayers unhappy with 2025 board-of-review decisions typically go next to the State Property Tax Appeal Board.

The update was presented as an informational item; no formal action was taken. The committee asked questions and heard clarifying details about coverage and part-time assignments while the office fills vacancies.