Local dairy farmer urges Cook County to consider agricultural tax programs as assessments rise

David Bergland spoke as a walk‑in at the Board of Appeal and Equalization to raise concerns about rising market valuations for farmland in Cook County. Bergland said proposed 2025 values for a 152‑acre parcel on his farm approached $942,000 and that escalating assessments threaten the ability of generational farms to remain operating.

“I'm the last dairy farmer in Cook County,” Bergland said, describing a multi‑generation family farm and his desire to keep the land in agricultural use rather than see it valued and sold to developers. He asked whether the county could treat the parcel with agricultural consideration rather than market‑rate development comparisons.

Bob Johnson noted the county sends letters to agricultural property owners and described the state Green Acres program, which can reduce taxable value for qualifying farmland. Johnson said the Green Acres option reduces taxable value but carries a statutory payback obligation if land leaves qualifying agricultural use; he recommended Bergland examine the program's conditions and said assessor staff can help owners evaluate eligibility.

Commissioners encouraged Bergland to consult with assessor staff on enrollment options and to weigh the program's benefits and obligations. No formal action was taken; staff offered to meet with Bergland to review Green Acres application details and other tax‑deferral or senior deferral programs that might apply.

Assessor staff said they will follow up with Bergland and provide program materials; no change to the 2025 assessment was recorded at the meeting pending any enrollment or further administrative adjustments.