Township assessor brings reassessment help to residents’ neighborhoods

Lyons Township Assessor Pat Hynes set up at Summit Park on Thursday evening, August 13, to answer questions about the 2026 Triennial Reassessment—a three-year property valuation cycle that affects tax bills across Cook County.

Residents could review their reassessment notices, ask about appeal options, and understand how the county’s rotating schedule works. Hynes and his staff are making the rounds: they were at Lyons Village Hall on August 12, will be at La Grange Village Hall on August 17, beginning at 5:30pm, and have stops scheduled at Willow Springs Village Hall (1 Village Circle) on August 20 at 6 p.m. and Countryside Village Hall (803 Joliet Road) on August 25 at 6 p.m.

Summit Park Board President Tony Cervantes welcomed all who attended and offered refreshments to those waiting their turn to be seen.

“It’s nice to meet people where they are,” Hynes said. “Some folks are at work Monday through Friday, 9 to 5. This is an opportunity for us to come to each community after hours and have a conversation, answer people’s questions.”

The township serves 18 communities: Bedford Park, Bridgeview, Brookfield, Burr Ridge, Countryside, Hickory Hills, Hinsdale, Hodgkins, Indian Head Park, Justice, La Grange, La Grange Highlands, Lyons, McCook, Riverside, Summit, Western Springs, and Willow Springs.

How the reassessment works

Cook County divides its 1.8 million parcels into three geographic zones and revalues one zone each year. When your area’s turn comes, you get a notice showing your property’s estimated fair market value based on recent neighborhood sales. That valuation becomes the baseline for your property tax bills for three years, unless you appeal or circumstances change.

Property owners can appeal during the open window for their township, even in years when a full reassessment is not occurring. You can check your property’s schedule and appeal deadlines on the Cook County Assessor’s website.

Summit Mayor Sergio Rodriguez attended the event and stressed its value.

“By them coming to Summit and other communities, people can fit it in their schedule in the evenings,” Rodriguez said. “Many people are working and can’t get out to appeal their taxes, but these are very important—making sure everyone’s taking advantage and getting a fair assessment.”

Rodriguez also noted that the Illinois State Treasurer’s office was on hand checking for unclaimed money through the I-Cash program.

John Jekot, Executive Director of the Summit Park District said he was happy to let them use the facility.

“It’s the right thing to do. Hopefully people will find out more and be able to save some money,” he said.

The Assessor’s Office is open year-round at 6404 Joliet Road in Countryside, but Hynes said evening community events remove barriers for working residents.