Peter Brunk

“We’re paying 4% of our home’s value in property taxes. This is a $247,000 house with $9,800 in property taxes.

“So we’ll have paid the entire value of our house in property taxes in 25 years, assuming there’s no increase.

“I’ve done my research. There’s a home right on the ocean in beautiful Bokeelia, Florida, that I’ve looked at. It’s a $442,000 home and the property taxes are $2,752 [per year]. Our [property taxes] are $9,833. That $600 difference each month would almost pay for the difference in the mortgage.

“If I can get a place on the ocean, sell this place and pay the same amount I pay now with my tax bill, who am I to deny it? It’s like a free lunch.

“We’re definitely going to leave this state if there’s no clear path to a resolution. I’ve been hoping for a tax cap like Indiana has.”

Peter Brunk
Lake Villa, Illinois