On May 16, 2011 a law suit was filed by Herbert Sorock, a property tax payer in Wilmette, and Taxpayers United of America (TUA), one of the largest taxpayer organizations in America. The suit filed against the Wilmette School Board District 39 and its members, challenges the legality of the ballot used in the April 5th election. The referendum question failed to include the State multiplier in calculating the estimated property tax increase, thereby understating that increase by at least two-thirds of the actual amount.
The suit alleges the Board and its members knew before the election that the estimated tax increase was understated, but decided to go forward with the referendum regardless. Wilmette and at least nine other school districts understated the property tax increase by failing to include the equalizer applicable to all Cook County property tax bills. Read more →
On May 24, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. Judge Mary Mikva will hear and determine whether a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction should be issued against Oak Park School District 97 and its individual members to enjoin them from attempting to collect the new property tax increase approved by the voters on April 5, 2011. The hearing will be at the Daley Center, 50 West Washington Street, Room 2508.
Noel Kuriakos, an Oak Park property tax payer, and Taxpayers United of America, one of the largest taxpayer organizations in America, filed a lawsuit against the School Board and its members on April 26, 2011, challenging the legality of the ballot used in the April 5th election. The referendum question failed to include the State multiplier in calculating the estimated increase, thereby understating that increase by at least two-thirds of the actual increase. Read more →
CHICAGO- Two lawsuits were filed today in Illinois by disgruntled taxpayers and Taxpayers United of America (TUA). The suits attack the way in which the property tax increase referenda were placed on the April 5th ballot in Oak Park School District 97 and in Riverside-Brookfield District 208. Both of those districts as well as at least 8 other districts miscalculated the amount of the property tax increase resulting in a much lower amount than is actually the case.
“This lawsuit is meant to send a strong message to public employees and their unions that electioneering cannot be conducted on taxpayer dime,” said Tony Peraica, former Cook County Commissioner and plaintiff for the Riverside-Brookfield lawsuit. “As taxpayers, we must hold our elected officials accountable. When union or political activity is done on taxpayer paid time, it is important that those who violated the law are held responsible.” Read more →
