The Property Tax Puzzle: Counties, Cashflow, and the CPI Squeeze

In this episode of Counties Count, host Joe McCoy breaks down Illinois’ complex property tax system and how it affects county governments across the state. From the behind-the-scenes administrative role counties play to the challenges of funding essential services under tax caps and regional disparities, we explore why property taxes are both a lifeline and a constraint. Whether you’re a policymaker, public official, or just trying to make sense of your tax bill—this episode sheds light on the structural pressures facing counties and what reform could look like.