City Council Takes Stand Against Rising Property Taxes

During a recent government meeting, officials provided updates on several key community issues, including property taxes and upcoming local events.

City representatives announced that a town hall meeting will be held on August 7 to discuss property tax updates, emphasizing the importance of keeping residents informed. The meeting will not solely focus on taxes, but it will address the ongoing concerns surrounding rising property tax bills, which have sparked protests among residents.

Mayor and council members reiterated that Calumet City has not raised taxes in several years and expressed frustration over the reassessment process managed by Cook County Assessor Fritz Keagy. The mayor stated that the city is not responsible for the increased tax bills and announced plans to potentially file a class action lawsuit against the county to demand a reassessment of property values. The mayor also highlighted the need for a flat tax rate for communities facing economic challenges, particularly those near borders.

In addition to tax discussions, the meeting included announcements about the upcoming Shepherd's Fest, a combined festival featuring live music, food, and activities for families, scheduled for August 16-18 at Our Lady of Knock worship site. The festival aims to foster community engagement and celebrate local culture.

The meeting concluded with a motion to approve several new business items, including requests from organizations to utilize the Sears parking lot for events, and discussions on initiating a search for a new community and economic development director.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city's commitment to addressing residents' concerns about taxes while promoting community events and development initiatives.