In a recent Kane County Public Service Committee meeting held on August 22, 2024, officials discussed various pressing issues, including challenges with the mail system affecting tax bill deliveries and updates on property assessments.

Treasurer Lawson reported that only 22% of taxpayers had paid their second installment of property taxes, raising concerns about the upcoming deadline. He highlighted significant delays in mail delivery, citing instances where bills mailed in December 2022 were only received in July 2024. Lawson expressed frustration over the postal service's unreliability, noting that many taxpayers rely heavily on mail for important communications. He encouraged committee members to brainstorm solutions to improve the situation, including the potential for increased online payment options.

Supervisor of Assessments Armstrong echoed these concerns, revealing that his office has also faced issues with returned mail for assessment notices. He explained that despite efforts to verify addresses through various means, a significant number of notices are still undeliverable. Armstrong is conducting an analysis to better understand these patterns and their implications for property tax assessments.

Both officials acknowledged the legal complexities surrounding tax notifications, emphasizing that failure to receive a tax bill does not exempt property owners from their obligations. The committee discussed the possibility of enhancing communication through social media to promote online payment options, aiming to alleviate some of the pressure on the mail system.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further investigate the mail issues and explore potential solutions, including the possibility of legislative changes to streamline address updates.