Counties confront rising property tax concerns

Local property taxes are under pressure for different reasons across the country. Six Suffolk County town supervisors are asking New York officials to revisit the state’s 2% property-tax levy cap, arguing that mandated costs are consuming the limited growth; Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office says the cap protects homeowners. In Cook County, President Toni Preckwinkle proposed a smaller 2027 budget after addressing a projected gap with cuts and other savings, while warning that additional revenue may be needed; her Libertarian opponent blamed reliance on federal funding and warned of future property-tax increases. In Ohio’s Hocking County, rising home values—not primarily new or expanded levies—are driving higher property-tax bills. Kenosha County’s proposed 2027 budget includes a property-tax levy increase of nearly 3%, even as officials point to stronger sales-tax collections and economic growth. A Maine television report also warns Washington County residents to prepare for the possibility of sharp tax increases next year.