Grundy County residents question skyrocketing assessments

Some Grundy County residents have taken notice of their annual property assessments, arguing that values have skyrocketed without cause.

The issue was highlighted by a number of Morris residents. According to their assessments, some land values drastically increased this year. Records obtained by the newspaper show a handful of stark increases in assessments, including one property that went from an assessment of $79,942 in 2018, to $128,798 in 2019 with no property improvements. Another assessment went from $74,554 in 2018 to $115,272 in 2019, also with no improvements completed.

The issue was even addressed by Grundy County States Attorney Jason Helland, who posted about his own assessment on social media. Helland noted the assessment for his residential property increased 20% despite no improvements to his home or land, and said he plans to file an appeal.

Helland is not alone. According to the Grundy County Assessors office, this year’s assessments have left them dealing with a line out the door of people wanting to discuss the issue.

Joliet attorney Jim Smith has agreed to take on some commercial clients in Grundy who are appealing assessments. Smith said he has fielded 20 to 25 calls since Dec. 11 on assessments in both commercial and residential properties in Grundy. Smith said callers said their assessments jumped from 40% to 100% or more over the previous year.

While he is unable to take on residential cases, he advised anyone with a significant increase to start with the assessor directly.

“There was a common thread. There were significant increases in the market values,” Smith said. “I always advise, try to work it out with your supervisor of assessments and find out what the problem is, and if you have to, file an appeal.”

This was a quadrennial year for assessments. Every four years, every property is reassessed completely, with assessors taking a closer look at parcels. The reassessments are also based on sales ratios.

Assessments for 2019 are compared with 2016-18, with ratio adjustments.

“It appears the deck is rather stacked against the consumer,” Smith said.

“The first thing you want to do is discuss it with the assessor, and ask questions,” he said. “Tell me why it’s increased ... You deserve that as a taxpayer.”

Property owners must physically turn in appeals to the Assessor’s Office or have them postmarked no later than 4:30 p.m. Jan. 3.

Grundy County Supervisor of Assessments Thomas L. Hougas was unavailable for comment.