The Agenda published January 28, 2011 on the District’s website for the February 1, 2011 Board meeting includes Action Item V, titled:
Consideration to Approve Settlement Agreement Between Lake County Board of Review, Cuba Township Assessor, Barrington Venture LLC, and District 220 Regarding The Garlands of Barrington Assessment Litigation
This same item was on the January 11 meeting agenda as a Consent Agenda item. At that meeting the Board chose not to act at that time. Five speakers, including BETA, rose at that meeting to question what this was all about and the Board did not respond or comment on the questions.
At this next meeting the Board will discuss the Settlement Agreement among themselves during the public portion of the meeting. Therefore, attendees at the meeting will be able to listen, but there is no plan for a dialog between the Board and the audience. The public has two opportunities to address the Board at the meeting: the “Citizens’ Comments” time at the very beginning of the meeting, and if necessary, at the very end of the meeting if citizens have remaining comments. Of course, citizens can contact the Board and the Administration individually at any time to discuss this matter – contact information is listed on the District 220 website (barrington220.org).
Since January 11 we have learned that the Settlement Agreement does in fact relate to the Garlands assessed valuation for property tax purposes. It appears that the Garlands is seeking a multi-year reduction of assessed valuation and the Settlement Agreement would accomplish the reduction. The result would be reduction of property taxes.
There remain significant unanswered questions, including:
Why is District 220 involved and proposing to enter this Agreement?
Why is the matter not going to the Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board?
What are the specific terms of the Agreement?
How would the rest of the taxpayers and taxing bodies be impacted?
If you are concerned about the proposed Settlement Agreement attend the meeting and ask your questions and express your view, or contact the Board and Administration directly before Tuesday evening.
The Public portion of the meeting is scheduled for 7:30pm Tuesday February 1, 2011 in the Guidance Resources Center at Barrington High School. The Board discussion of this topic will take place late in the meeting.
