McHenry Times

In response to possible property tax hikes on Kane County residents, Republican Allen Skillicorn, recently elected to the District 66 state House seat, issued a statement against further rate increases that he said would be an undue burden on property owners.

Skillicorn also recently said he would resign from his position early as East Dundee trustee to address this very issue.

“Stepping down three weeks early … allows me to focus on a Property Tax Freeze Referendum for both Kane and McHenry counties,” Skillicorn said. “(We) need to gather many signatures before the New Year’s deadline to add the question to the April 4 ballot."

Local jurisdictions — including the Kane County Forest Preserve Board — have plenty of capital and don’t need to overburden property owners, Skillicorn said, referencing the forest division’s recent push for a $50 million tax referendum.

“It’s Christmas for our local taxing bodies,” Skillicorn said. “Our local municipalities have more than enough tax revenue. Per-capita tax revenues have grown exponentially faster than inflation over the last three decades.”

By way of solutions, Skillicorn suggested that residents vote “no” on any proposed tax hikes that come before them.

“Our country just saw a very controversial election season,” Skillicorn said. “The primaries and general elections were dominated by people who were frustrated with status quo. Both Republicans and Democrats are being taxed out of their homes.”

Skillicorn warned that a “yes” vote would raise property taxes for local seniors and working-class families.

“A vote to place this referendum on the ballot is a vote to make doing business in Kane County more expensive,” he said. “Please vote 'no' against any referendum to hike taxes.”