Mason Applauds Lake County Board’s Decision to Provide Property Tax Relief

​GURNEE, Ill. – State Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee, is commending the Lake County Board for approving two property tax relief measures on Tuesday. Citing the exceptional circumstances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, board members voted to delay portions of property tax payments and extend the deadline to apply for the Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption.

“The coronavirus outbreak has caused unemployment claims to skyrocket. Residents who’ve never filed for unemployment benefits before are now jobless and being forced to choose between making their mortgage payments or putting food on the table,” Mason said. “Paying thousands of dollars in property taxes in two large lump sums simply isn’t possible for many residents this year.” 

In April, Mason joined Reps. Daniel Didech, Rita Mayfield and Bob Morgan in calling on the Lake County Board to eliminate late payment penalties on 2020 property tax payments in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. On May 12, the Lake County Board voted unanimously to allow property taxes to be paid in four installments rather than two. Board members also approved a measure to extend the filing deadline for the Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption from July 1 to Oct. 1. 

“I’m glad to see the Lake County Board chose to give residents some of the financial relief they so desperately need right now. We’re living through unprecedented circumstances, and we need unprecedented action to protect our residents and community from the economic effects of this crisis,” Mason said. “Lake County Board members have clearly recognized the immense hardships created by COVID-19, and they’ve acted justly in giving residents more flexibility in paying their property taxes during this difficult time.”