Assessor Joseph Berrios talks about the phasing out of the 7% tax cap and his legislative initiatives in Springfield.

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December 6, 2011		Department of Communications
		For Taxpayer Assistance call:	312-443-7550

Assessor Berrios Releases first-year Report Card

Makes assessment process more transparent, customer-friendly

Chicago – Since taking office on December 6, 2010, Cook County Assessor Joseph Berrios has made marked improvements to the Assessor’s office, while maintaining a level of fiscal responsibility.

"In the past year, I have made sure that property values reflect today’s housing market, and that the office moved swiftly with the assessment process" Berrios said. "I’m also pleased that all of my 386 employees took their furlough days, and that we made our budget goals."

Berrios accelerated the 2011 assessment process more than three months early. The next earliest completion of an assessment occurred in 1993.

"This speed and efficiency ultimately helps in the timely mailing of tax bills," Berrios said. "More importantly, it ensures that local taxing bodies receive their funds sooner."

Berrios managed to finish early, despite having almost 400 employees take furlough days, as required by the President’s Office. He also met President Toni Preckwinkle’s request to reduce the 2011 budget by 16 percent, and her request for a 9 percent reduction for 2012.

Among Berrios’ other accomplishments this year:

Redesigned Assessment Notice – In addition to the standard assessment information, the new residential reassessment notice includes: an estimated fair market value, assessment history, transactions from the Recorder of Deeds, history of tax payments and a photo of the property.

Timely Completion of the 2010 Assessment – The Assessor’s Office certified all 2010 assessment values almost two months ahead of schedule, on March 30, 2010. This will help ensure that tax bills will be mailed in a timelier manner and in turn will help the local taxing bodies receive their funds sooner.

 Decreasing Assessments to Reflect the Real Estate Market – The Assessor has worked to ensure that the impact of the volatile real estate market is accounted for when taxpayers are filing appeals.

 Re-Opening Rolling Meadows Branch Office – In an effort to better serve suburban taxpayers, Assessor Berrios has reopened the Rolling Meadows Branch Office.

Worked as an Advocate for Cook County Seniors – The Assessor spearheaded a program to protect seniors. The Senior Tax Opportunity Project (STOP) reached out to seniors who were in danger of losing their homes and who had not applied for prior-year property tax exemptions. By applying for exemption refunds, seniors received money to help pay their delinquent taxes and their homes were protected from the tax sale during the Certificate of Error process

Worked with the Board of Review to begin online appeals filings -- Berrios and his staff worked closely with the Board of Review by offering his staff and technology. As a result of this intergovernmental cooperation, anyone filing an appeal with the Board can now do so online. 

Enhancements to the Web site – The Assessor continues to improve the Cook County Assessor’s Office Web site.　 Taxpayers may file appeals on-line, obtain assessment information, and download applications and forms.　 The Assessor’s Web site is one of the most visited Web sites in the county and receives close to 500,000 monthly visitors.

"We have accomplished much in the past year, but there’s so much more to be done," Berrios said. "We must continue to make strides while maintaining the high level of customer service that property owners expect."

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