North Egypt News

Bryan Howell of Royalton is a man given to deep study of issues, including property taxes in Illinois, and he offered his thoughts on the subject to North Egypt News.

“Despite the fact that taxes are universally, hated, most people understand that they are a necessary evil,” he said. “What most people don't recognize enough is the importance that taxes play in their everyday quality of life, especially at the county and local levels. The primary source of revenue, for most counties in Illinois, are property taxes and sales taxes. Let’s take a look at what your property taxes pay for and how they affect your quality of life.”

People are usually surprised to discover where most of the money ends up, Howell said. That’s why he wants to educate people on the subject.

“One might think that administrative costs soak up the bulk of your tax money," he said. "While these costs are high, it is your local school that receives the bulk of your property tax contribution. Beyond the schools, however, there are many agencies that depend on these funds as well. Hospitals, health departments, county and local law enforcement and emergency management agencies, the roads you drive on in town, all depend on property taxes as a primary source of income.”

For years, Howell notes, dollars flow into the government coffers fueling these agencies but what happens if taxes are suddenly lowered, such as the proposed property tax relief being proposed.

“If you live in a county where the unemployment rate is low, relative income is moderate to high, and the population is substantial, then lower taxes probably won't have a significant impact on your quality of life,” he said. “However, if you live a county with a high unemployment rate, low relative income, and low population, then lowering property taxes could have a significant impact on the stresses and strains of local governments. Major sources of income for local governments are fairly limited.”

Howell said Illinois is on the verge of bankruptcy, so people have to consider adding an element of independence from the failed state government, since many counties are likely to see less state funding.

“Illinois is one of the highest-taxed states in our union,” he said. “This is proof, undeniable, that higher taxes will not solve every problem. Major legislative reforms must be enacted or every dime collected by the state will only add to the mounting debt while local governments, and their citizens, suffer the consequences.

“Will lowering property taxes help?” he said. “That, as I alluded to earlier, is completely relative to each specific county. It doesn’t end there.”

In addition, property taxes are relevant to each homeowner regardless of their county.

“Even the wealthiest counties have a subset of citizens who struggle to keep their homes every year.," Howell said "The unemployed, the elderly; we all know someone who fights for survival,” Howell said. “The smallest change in the tax system could mean the difference between whether someone gets to keep their home or find alternative shelter. Lowering taxes in a poor county might help someone keep their home.”

However, he noted, the basic services provided by the county that people depend on every day will suffer in some way.

“Your local EMS might not be able to maintain four ambulances anymore,” Howell said. “That could mean extended wait time in an actual emergency situation. The possibilities are virtually endless."

He said people need to study the issue and draw their own conclusions.

“The point being, it is not, and, never will be, as cut and dry as lowering or raising taxes to address a specific issue. Despite the urgency that some may see for such an event, the wiser among us will take their time to study the long-term impacts,” Howell said. “You’ve given Illinois enough of your money, and, they have proven how incapable they are with it. However, your county is not Illinois. It has its own set of circumstances separate from the state.

“Your county, probably, needs you, and your intelligence, more than ever. Do your homework. Urge your county officials to do theirs.”