A Lyons Township homeowner has finally won property tax relief after three years of denials and frustration — a victory that came only after media attention and the persistence of the Lyons Township Assessor’s Office.
Janet Edmonds purchased a home that caught fire in 2019, leaving it uninhabitable. The damaged structure was demolished in 2021. A new home was built on the property and received its occupancy certificate in January 2023.
Yet Cook County’s assessor continued billing Edmonds as though the original fire-damaged house still stood and was occupied. She filed repeatedly for a Certificate of Error and other relief.
Each request was denied or ignored.
The case drew the attention of Lyons Township Assessor Patrick Hynes, who was present at the 2019 fire as a volunteer firefighter in Western Springs. Despite his firsthand knowledge of the damage, winning relief proved difficult.
In spring 2025, ABC7 Chicago and other local media highlighted Edmonds’ case and the broader problem of delayed or denied tax relief. The coverage prompted action. Edmonds has now received refund checks totaling nearly $20,000.
“No homeowner should continue paying taxes on a structure that no longer exists,” Hynes said. “We are grateful that justice was finally achieved and remain committed to helping residents navigate these difficult situations.”
Edmonds praised the township assessor’s office for its work.
“I have never experienced working with a government office like the Lyons Township Assessor’s Office,” she said. “I am beyond grateful for their hard work and for never giving up fighting for what is right.”