Study shows Cicero has lowest tax increases in Chicagoland
A recent study released by Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas shows that the Town of Cicero had the lowest tax increases of more than 35 suburban Chicagoland communities during the past 20 years. The Pappas study shows the average increase is 95.4 percent with many communities showing tax increases of more than 140 percent during the study of two decades of municipal tax increases. Cicero’s tax increase was only 59 percent increase during the 20 year period with the majority increased prior to Larry Dominick’s election in 2005.
A new study released by Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas shows that the Town of Cicero has had the lowest increase in taxes over the past 20 years than almost every other suburb in Cook County and including Chicago.
The data compiled by the County Treasurer’s office shows that of 35 surrounding suburban communities, Cicero’s taxes increased only half as much as the average of all of the nearby suburbs. Cicero’s taxes increased only 59 percent during the study of the various suburban and Chicago data, and was significantly below the average hike during the past years years which is 95.4 percent.
In comparison: Oak Park’s taxes increased by 130 percent; River Forest 101; Berwyn 75; Forest Park 88; Stickney 68; North Riverside 69; McCook 140; Summit 90; Willow Springs 124; Western Springs 147; LaGrange 121; Brookfield 130; Maywood 110; Chicago 115.
A closer examination also shows that the majority of the 59 percent increase in taxes in Cicero over the past 20 years occurred prior to 2005 when Larry Dominick was elected Town President and imposed a policy to hold the line on property tax hikes.
“The people of Cicero don’t need a study to know that taxes in Cicero have remained consistently low compared to other communities,” said Town President Larry Dominick.
“The majority of the increase during the past 20 years examined by the Cook County Treasurer came during the term of my predecessor prior to my election in 2005. Since then, we have managed to hold the line on taxes while at the same time increasing services, police protection, firefighter response and other services provided by our departments, including Senior Services.”
Dominick noted that in the past 15 years, crime has dropped significantly in the Town of Cicero “without having to raise taxes.”
“When I came to office, we had an average of 17 street gang related killings every year. Now through better management of our police resources, a stronger public stand against street gangs and graffiti, and programs that have brought our community, parents, families and students together, we only see one or two killings a year. I won’t be satisfied in this fight against crime and my commitment to make Cicero even safer until we have no killings. Every life is important.”
During this period of lowest tax increases of almost every suburb and municipality in Cook County Dominick’s policies have also attracted more businesses to the community.
“We have seen a significant increase in attracting businesses to the Town of Cicero because of the many policies that President Dominick has brought to our community,” said Cicero Assessor Emilio Cundari who works with residents and homeowners on their property taxes.
“These new businesses have created new jobs. New sales tax revenues to shore up our services. Created an atmosphere or a stronger economic environment for our community, which in turn has resulted in stronger confidence in our community.”
Dominick said that he will continue to demand the most services out of public employees and maintain the extension programs and services without relying on property tax hikes like other communities are doing.
“We all know that government can only operate through taxes. But those tax increases should only be in direct response to serious need,” Dominick said.
“In our community, raising taxes clearly has been a last resort in the Town of Cicero and avoiding tax increases has come about by achieving service expansion through improved efficiencies.”
Cundari said residents who have questions about their property taxes can contact his office which also helps complete forms that may be required by the county. He urged seniors especially to ensure that they are receiving all of the property tax exemptions that they have earned.
The study is available online at www.CookCountyTreasurer.com.
Hanania also writes about Middle East issues for the Arab News, and The Arab Daily News criticizing government policies in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Hanania was named "Best Ethnic American Columnist" by the New America Media in November 2007, and is the 2009 recipient of the SPJ National Sigma Delta Chi Award for column writing.
Email Ray Hanania at rghanania@gmail.com.
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