Illinois Supreme Court Rules Cook County Inspector General Can Investigate Assessor’s Office
By Susie AnIllinois Supreme Court Rules Cook County Inspector General Can Investigate Assessor’s Office
By Susie An
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The Illinois Supreme Court ruled that the Cook County inspector general can freely investigate the Assessor’s Office.
Cook County Inspector General Patrick Blanchard was investigating whether Cook County Assessor Joseph Barrios illegally granted one of his employees a property tax exemption.
Berrios challenged the IG saying Blanchard did not have the authority to investigate “separately” elected officials. The Illinois Supreme Court ruled against Berrios.
The Assessor’s Office says it will comply. It says the case was a question of legal principle and not about the assessor’s willingness to turn over documents.