Home values at odds with prices

We are all hearing about the lower value of houses, but are not seeing our property tax assessments come down.

A year ago, I spoke with the Lee County assessor, and she said that it was only the east and west coasts and not here that values were dropping.

I know a person who purchased a house. The county assessor’s office had the fair cash value at more than $111,000.  The real estate agent had it listed for $74,900. An appraisal put it at about $72,000, and it was purchased for less than that.

The new owner never got an assessment notice in the mail. They took a copy of their appraisal to the assessor’s office and were told that doesn’t mean that is what it is worth. The county assessor said if the new owner’s taxes were lowered, the county would have to lower everyone in town.

So I guess what I’m saying is that we all need to appeal our taxes together, because they tell each of us individually that we are the only one complaining.

Looking to start sarcoidosis group

Kelly Allen

Dixon

Sarcoidosis: A multisystem granulomatous inflammatory disease, the cause of which is still unknown. Virtually any organ can be affected; however, granulomas most often appear in the lungs or the lymph nodes.

My husband was diagnosed with this disease in October. I would like to know whether anyone else in the Sauk Valley has been diagnosed with this disease. I already have met two people from the area who suffer from sarcoidosis, and we are interested in starting a support group if we can find more members.

If you or someone you know suffers from sarcoidosis, would you please e-mail me at dadslady@yahoo.com on the Web?

There is strength in numbers, and we are not alone. Thank you.