Commission approves blind and veteran abatements, explains calculation and eligibility

Kane County commissioners approved two individual abatements during the Oct. 1 special meeting: a late blind abatement and a veterans’ abatement for a resident with a 100% disability rating.

Chanel described the blind abatement as arriving on Sept. 8 and affecting $11,500 of taxable value — which she estimated would equate to roughly a $100 tax reduction. "So it came out on September 8... the blind abatement just abates, I think, $11,500 of taxable value," she said, and staff recommended approval since the applicant met the qualifying criteria prior to the deadline.

On the veteran’s case, staff explained how the state sets a value threshold and an applicant’s disability rating determines the abatement amount. "This year, the number was... so he would qualify for an abatement of up to $5,350. His taxes due are $1,090.33," Chanel said, and commissioners approved the application that would fully cover the veteran’s tax bill.

Commissioners discussed reapplication rules, noting blind abatements typically require annual reapply while some veteran filings are continuous once properly established. Staff said they will return a full list of qualifying abatements and totals to the commission at the next meeting.