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Evanston property owners need not panic, but they should still prepare for the worst as they await notices in the mail of proposed 2004 valuations from the Cook County Assessor's Office. The office is to begin sending out the proposed valuations today to Evanston taxpayers, who will have just 45 days to contest the valuation. The county will publish a complete listing of proposed valuations for 2004 as a 52-page legal notice in the July 1 Evanston Review; copies of the proposed valuations will be available at the Review's Evanston office, at 1601 Sherman Ave., Suite 500. While one's assessment may rise, Gov. Rod Blagojevich might blunt the impact if he signs legislation capping the annual rate of increase at 7 percent. Under Senate Bill 2112, which passed both chambers of the General Assembly, the rise in assessments would effectively be capped at 7 percent per year through adjustments in the homestead exemption. As a result, the increase would be limited to 21 percent over a three-year period. Regardless of whether Blagojevich signs the bill into law, Evanston property owners should take steps to protect their rights. If their assessments have risen considerably, they should think about filing appeals. As Cook County Commissioner Larry Suffredin, D-13th, notes, "You don't need a lawyer at this stage of the process." For Evanston homeowners, the increases expected with the 2004 triennial reassessment may well provide a double punch, since many saw hikes of 30 percent and more in 2001. The Evanston Township Assessor's Office will be scheduling 15-minute appointments to assist taxpayers wishing to lodge appeals. And Suffredin says he'll conduct community forums with Cook County Assessor James Houlihan to help people understand their notices and explain the appeal process. Suffredin said staff in his office at 820 Davis St. also will assist taxpayers during the 45-day complaint period. The office will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Help also is available at the Evanston Township Assessor's Office, at 846 Dodge Ave., from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Property owners can find plenty of assistance, but they must take the initiative and take an active role in the process of filing appeals. Their efforts could save them money.