Assessor Reaches Out to Flood Victims

Joe Berrios plans to host outreach meetings help taxpayers

Cook County Assessor Joe Berrios is extending the property tax appeal deadline for homeowners affected by recent flooding.

The announcement comes in the wake of flood damage assessments that could provide low-interest loans and grants to flood victims, as well as affected businesses.

FEMA, IEMA, SBA and local officials began assessing damage in Cook, Lake and DuPage counties Monday, and will begin assessments in other counties as water recedes.

The data collected during these assessments will be included in Governor Pat Quinn’s request for federal assistance that could enable state and local government to receive up to 75 percent reimbursement for flood-related costs from each community.

Berrios also plans to hold outreach meetings with homeowners residing in the most affected areas. He has urged residents to apply for assessment reductions if substantial structural damage has affected their homes’ market value.

“I want to personally assist these taxpayers by helping them file appeals in order to receive assessment relief,” Berrios said.

Meetings will occur within the next six months, and will correspond with assessors’ filing periods in each township. However, if a township’s appeal period has already been completed, Berrios plans to assist taxpayers in filing appeals with that agency.

The Assessor’s Office plans to announce outreach sessions in the following townships: Leyden, Lyons, Maine, Niles, Norwood Park, Stickney, Proviso, Riverside and parts of Jefferson.

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