Alright, Cook County's at it again. Another "helpful" program, this time from the Treasurer's office, aimed at preventing homeowners from losing their properties over unpaid taxes. Maria Pappas, the Treasurer, is pushing this Third-Party Notification thing. Sounds good on paper, right?
The Devil's in the Details (As Always)
Basically, you sign up a designated person – a relative, a friend, maybe even your priest – to receive copies of your delinquency notices. The idea is to give you (or someone who cares) a heads-up before your property ends up on the auction block at the annual tax sale. They mail these notices about a month before the tax sale, which happens about 13 months after the Second Installment tax due date. So it's a heads up... eventually.
Here's the catch: you gotta download a form, fill it out, and MAIL IT. Yes, mail it. In 2024. To 118 N. Clark Street, Room 112, Chicago, IL 60602. I'm not kidding.
Are we really still doing things this way? It's like they're actively trying to discourage people from using the program. I mean, come on, it's not that hard to set up an online portal. This is the digital age, people!
And get this: if your application arrives less than two weeks before they mail out the delinquency notices, tough luck. You're probably screwed. Because bureaucracy moves at the speed of a glacier.
They say it's designed to help seniors, people with disabilities, folks with long-term health issues, or those who are just away from home. And churches, temples, mosques or not-for-profit organizations. Okay, fine. It's free for residential properties (though non-residential ones get hit with a $5 fee – thanks, state law!).
Mortgage companies and banks can't be third parties. Offcourse not! Can't let those bloodsuckers in on this "generosity."
Good Intentions Paved With Red Tape
This whole thing feels like a classic case of good intentions gone sideways. It's like offering someone a life raft made of paperwork. Sure, the idea is noble – prevent people from losing their homes over late taxes. But the execution? Clunky, outdated, and needlessly complicated.
I mean, who even checks their mail anymore? I get more important stuff via carrier pigeon.
And the fact that it's been around since 2005... makes it even worse! That's almost two decades of this archaic system. You'd think they would have streamlined the process by now. Or, you know, implemented some kind of online system. Is that really so hard?
What about people who don't have easy access to the internet or a printer? What about those who struggle with filling out forms? Are they just SOL?
Then again, maybe I'm being too cynical. Maybe there's a valid reason for all this. Maybe the Cook County Treasurer's office is secretly staffed by Luddites who believe the internet is a passing fad.
So, What's the Point?
Look, I'm not saying the program is completely useless. It probably helps some people. But let's be real: it's a band-aid on a much bigger problem. The real issue is the convoluted and often unfair property tax system itself. Third-party notices tell you if a relative or anyone you know misses a tax payment - Suburban Chicagoland
Why aren't we focusing on simplifying the tax code, making it more transparent, and providing more support for struggling homeowners before they fall behind on their payments? Instead, we get this Rube Goldberg machine of a notification system.
Just Another Layer of B.S.
This program isn't helpful; it's insulting. It's a PR stunt disguised as genuine assistance. Another way for politicians to pat themselves on the back while the underlying problems fester. I ain't buying it.