Property taxes are one of the biggest concerns for Rock Falls residents, but few people know exactly where their money goes. On this episode of Along the Rock, host Nathan Stahr talks with Rock Falls City Administrator Robbin Blackert about how property taxes are calculated, why schools and pensions make up such a large portion of the bill, and why road work is not included. If you’ve ever been confused by your tax bill or wanted a clearer picture of how the city manages funds, this conversation is for you.
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🎤 Timestamps & Highlights:
00:44 – Top community concerns: Roads and property taxes
01:18 – Today’s focus: Property taxes explained01:33 – How to access your property tax bill
02:00 – Who gets your tax dollars? Breakdown of governing bodies
02:42 – Pie chart overview: Schools, city, county, and more
03:01 – Only 20% of taxes go to the City of Rock Falls
03:11 – Why roads aren’t funded by property taxes
03:31 – How road work is funded
04:03 – Why property taxes are higher in Rock Falls
06:38 – Funding fire & police operations separately from pensions
08:28 – General fund vs utilities in tax allocation
08:52 – Why tax bills didn’t go down despite levy decreases
09:53 – Levy growth trends and Truth in Taxation hearings
10:49 – Comparing Rock Falls with Sterling and smaller towns
11:36 – Differences between Illinois and other states’ school tax systems
12:30 – How to appeal property taxes
12:58 – Rock Falls financial outlook & future pension costs
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