Ask Chuck Anything

What does the Assessor's office do, and how does it affect me?

The Assessor's primary responsibility is to value properties within the township jurisdiction and levy ad valorem real estate taxes based on the millage rate. This tax supports public services as outlined in the local government or tax jurisdiction's budget, making it a critical part of community funding.

Filling the role of Assessor requires skill, ethical integrity, and full dedication to professional responsibilities. If elected, I will commit to the following obligations:

1. Valuing Properties: Using mass appraisal techniques and advanced computer systems, I will ensure property values are assessed accurately and in compliance with state laws and industry standards.
2. Maintaining Property Records: I will uphold a comprehensive database of all properties in the jurisdiction, tracking ownership, assessment history, and property details.
3. Defending Assessments: I will be prepared to justify property valuations through transparent communication with property owners and at public hearings.
4. Collaborating Across Departments: I will work closely with tax collectors to ensure accurate assessments and timely payments while assisting property owners with questions and navigating the appeals process.

As your Assessor, I will bring dedication, transparency, and a commitment to best practices, ensuring fairness and efficiency in serving our community.

Does the Assessor control how much I pay in taxes?

No, the Assessor only plays a role in determining the assessed value of your property utilizing fair and equitable assessments. While the Assessor values properties, the tax level itself is determined by decisions made from various governmental agencies.

The Assessor's primary responsibility is to assign an assessed value to each property within the jurisdiction. This involves four key steps:

1. Inventorying Property: Identifying all real property in the jurisdiction using tax maps, property index numbers, and tracking new construction through building permits and other methods.
2. Documenting Property Characteristics: Recording details of land and improvements on property record cards, including measurements and descriptions.
3. Estimating Market Value: Using standardized methods to estimate the value of all properties, ensuring consistency and fairness in valuations.
4. Assigning Assessed Value: Applying an assessment level to market values to calculate an assessed value that reflects uniformity and current market conditions.

As Assessor, my commitment is to maintain transparency, fairness, and consistency in the valuation process while ensuring that all taxpayers are well-informed about how their assessments are determined.

Does the Assessor have a say in what is built in my township?

No, the Assessor has no authority over new development or land planning. While I bring extensive experience in real estate and highest-and-best-use evaluations, including providing expert testimony in court, decisions about what gets built fall outside the scope of an Assessor's duties. My role is solely focused on valuing properties fairly and equitably.

Why do you want to be Assessor for Milton Township?

I bring a fresh perspective as a candidate for the Milton Township Assessor position and am proud to serve as a Certified Illinois Assessing Officer in good standing. With over 33 years of experience running my own valuation firm and a prior career practicing real estate tax law as an attorney, I have developed a deep and comprehensive understanding of real estate taxation. My expertise enables me to accurately value properties of any size or type, and I am confident in my ability to serve the community with fairness, precision, and dedication.

Once elected, how do you plan to fulfill the duties of Milton Township Assessor?

I will run the Milton Township Assessor’s Office like a business—transparent, efficient, and focused on serving constituents with respect and fairness. Day-to-day operations will adhere to the highest levels of competency, free from personal or political bias, and conducted according to best practices. This is my pledge to the taxpayers and all governmental expectations of the Township Assessor .