Joliet city tax levy goes up 13%, but tax rate drops slightly

A 13% increase in the city of Joliet tax levy may not increase individual property taxes.

Most of that increase comes from new construction – particularly warehouses – and building improvements that increase the total taxable value of property in the city, Finance Director Kevin Sing said.

The overall tax rate for the city actually is down slightly at 1.29%.

“If your house value didn’t change, you’re paying the same amount,” Sing said.

Actually, perhaps a little less.

The estimated city portion of the property tax on a $250,000 house this year was $1,061, Sing said. In 2024, it would be $1,049.

The decrease is because of a reduction in the tax rate from the Joliet Public Library, which is one of three entities that comprise the city of Joliet property tax bill.

The entire Joliet property tax levy for next year, approved by the City Council this week, is $58.6 million. That is up from $51.6 million this year, a 13% increase.

The levy represents the actual amount of property taxes that the city will collect.

The levy is made up of three parts: a $52.3 million levy for general city operations, a $6.9 million levy for the fire department and a $6.3 million levy for the Joliet Public Library.

According to information provided by Sing, the city of Joliet makes up 12% of a total property tax bill, which also includes taxes paid to schools, the county and other local governments.

A tax bill also is determined by the tax rate multiplied by the assessed value of a property. The same tax rate applied to a property that goes up in assessed value will lead to a higher tax. A lower tax rate will lead to a lower tax.