Grantfork news, June 7 edition

Lunch Bunch Program

Area churches have banned together to ensure area children will receive lunch throughout the summer months when a school lunch is not available. There is no charge. The only requirements are you must be 18 or younger and be at the distribution area at the time the lunches are being dropped off. Grantfork lunches will be distributed on Mondays (two lunches) and Wednesdays (three lunches) at Cedar Springs Drive and Pocahontas Road from 11:40-11:45 a.m. and Grantfork United Church of Christ on Locust Street at 11:50-11:55 a.m. This program runs from May 31- Aug. 9.

St. Gertrude Catholic Church

Parish PSR students celebrated the Sacraments of Holy Communion and Confirmation at the Cathedral in Springfield Saturday, June 3. St. Gertrude students participants include Brody Alldredge, Aubrey Barr, Aiden Suhre and Jemma Warnecke.

Tax exemptions and where to get the forms

Forms for all tax exemptions may be found online at https://www.madisoncountyil.gov/departments/chief_county_assesment_office/available_exemptions.php.

Senior Citizens Homestead Exemption Form (PTAX-324)

This exemption is a $5,000 reduction in the EAV of the property granted the residential property that is occupied is the principal residence of a person, who is 65 years of age or older during the assessment year and the person must be the owner; or have an equitable interest in the property with a single-family residence; and be liable for the payment of the property taxes. The exemption needs to be applied for every year.

Brief Eligibility Requirements:

1) Owner Occupied

2) Liable for the payment of property taxes

3) 65 years of age or older during the assessment year

4) Principal place of residency

Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption Form 2022 (PTAX-340); Form 2023 (PTAX-340)

When applying for this exemption, please also apply for the Senior Citizens Homestead Exemption PTAX-324 above)

This exemption allows senior citizens who have a total household maximum income of less than $65,000 and meet certain other qualifications to elect to maintain the EAV of their homes at the base year EAV and prevent any increase in that value due to inflation. The amount is determined on (1) the property’s EAV minus the frozen base year value (the property’s prior year’s EAV for which the applicant first qualifies for the exemption), and (2) the applicant’s total household maximum income limitation. The exemption needs to be applied for every year by July 31.

Brief Eligibility Requirements:

1) Owner Occupied

2) Liable for payment of property taxes

3) 65 years of age or older during the assessment year

4) Total household income of $65,000 or less

5) Principal place of residency