Important Update Regarding
Upcoming Property Tax Bills
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Dear Cuba Township Residents
Our office would like to provide an important update regarding the upcoming May 2026 property tax bills, particularly as they relate to the November 2024 Barrington CUSD 220 referendum.
At the time of the referendum, Barrington CUSD 220 presented taxpayers with an estimated increase of approximately $236 per $500,000 of market value. Based on the tax rate information now available, this estimate appears to be significantly understated. Current projections indicate the actual impact may be closer to three times the estimated amount for similarly valued homes. The following is a link to the referendum tax calculator: Barrington 220 2024 Referendum Tax Calculator. We encourage you to compare this calculator to your May tax bill.
While we understand this increase may be concerning, it is important to clarify how property taxes are determined and the role of the Assessor’s Office in that process. Our responsibility is to establish fair and equitable property assessments based on market value. We do not set tax rates or control the budgets of taxing bodies.
Property taxes are determined by two primary components: assessed value (EAV) and tax rates. In simple terms, the total tax burden is driven by how much revenue taxing districts levy to fund their budgets. The tax rate is then adjusted to generate that amount and is distributed across all property owners based on their share of the total assessed value.
An easy way to think about this is like splitting a restaurant bill. The total check represents the amount taxing bodies have decided to spend. Each person’s share is based on what they ordered—someone who ordered a steak pays more than someone who ordered a salad, just as properties with higher assessed values pay a larger share of the total tax burden. If the total bill increases, everyone pays more, regardless of how the bill is divided.
Typically, when overall assessed values increase across a taxing district, tax rates decrease to offset that growth. However, when taxing bodies increase their levies, tax rates may rise or remain elevated to meet that higher spending level. In this case, while most taxing bodies now have a reduced rate, Barrington CUSD 220 has an increased rate, resulting in a higher overall tax burden for property owners. While factors such as the County’s equalization process may impact assessed values, they do not, by themselves, increase the total taxes collected.
For questions, concerns, or feedback regarding this increase, we encourage residents to contact Barrington CUSD 220 directly. If you would like to send a message to Board members as well as the Superintendent of Schools, please Click Here.
Barrington CUSD 220 Contact Information
District Administrative Center
515 W. Main Street
Barrington, IL 60010
Phone: (847) 381-6300
Upcoming Board of Education Meetings
All regular Board of Education meetings are held on Tuesday evenings, beginning with a Closed Session at 5:30 p.m., followed by Open Session at 6:00 p.m. Unless otherwise noted, meetings take place at the District Administrative Center. Meetings include opportunities for public comment and provide a forum for residents to learn more and share input.
Our office remains committed to transparency and ensuring fair and accurate property assessments. If you have questions regarding your property assessment, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Sincerely,
Cuba Township Assessor’s Office
Cuba Township| Website
Cuba Township | 28000 Cuba Road
Barrington, IL 60010 US
Email sent April 20, 2026
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