There will be a meeting with members of the Evanston Chamber of Commerce to discuss commercial properties on July 15, 2004.

Taxpayers are encouraged to bring their assessment notices with them to the seminar. Staff from the Assessor and Commissioner Suffredin's offices will be present to assist residents individually in filing assessment appeals and exemptions.

A short presentation will open each meeting to provide general information on the assessment process, avenues for assessment appeals, resources available for verifying an assessed value is fair and accurate and important property tax exemptions that are available to Cook County residents. Appeal forms are included with the assessment notices and homeowners have 45 days to appeal if they have doubts about the accuracy of their assessment.

"I encourage all Evanston Township homeowners to participate in one of our seminars to learn about the property tax system and to take advantage of all exemptions which are available to them to lessen the impact the assessment may have on their tax bills," stated Commissioner Suffredin. The Commissioner added that it is important for area residents to have opportunities like this to receive information and assistance in their own neighborhoods.

Assessor Houlihan commented, "I feel it is important to provide as much information as possible to homeowners regarding the avenues currently available to them to verify that they are paying no more than their fair share of the tax burden."

Residents who would like more information on the property tax seminars may contact Commissioner Suffredin's office which he shares with State Senator Schoenberg and State Rep. Hamos at 847-864-1209 or Assessor Houlihan's office at 312-433-7550.

In addition, Commissioner Suffredin's district office, 820 Davis Street, Evanston, is open to assist taxpayers in person, Monday - Friday, 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. Assistance on Saturday mornings is available by appointment only.

The Evanston Township Assessor's office is also available to assist taxpayers. The Evanston Township Assessor's office can be reached at 847-332-2465.