SPRINGFIELD, IL - Rock Island County has been issued a final property assessment equalization factor of 1.0000, according to Brian Hamer, Director of the Illinois Department of Revenue.

The property assessment equalization factor, often called the "multiplier," is the method used to achieve uniform property assessments among counties as required by law.  This equalization is particularly important because some of the state's 6,600 local taxing districts overlap into two or more counties (e.g. school districts, junior college districts, fire protection districts).  If there were no equalization among counties, substantial inequities among taxpayers with comparable properties would result.

Under a law passed in 1975, property in Illinois should be assessed at one-third (1/3) of its market value.  Farm property is assessed differently, with farm homesites and dwellings subject to regular assessing and equalization procedures, but with farmland assessed at one-third (1/3) of its agriculture economic value.  Farmland is not subject to the state equalization factor.

Assessments in Rock Island County are at 33.42 percent of the market value, based on sales of properties in 2009, 2010, and 2011.

The equalization factor currently being assigned is for 2012 taxes, payable in 2013.  Last year's equalization for the county was 1.0000.

The final assessment equalization factor was issued after a public hearing on the tentative factor.  The tentative factor issued in October 2012 was 1.0000.

The equalization factor is determined annually for each county by comparing the price of individual properties sold over the past three years to the assessed value placed on those properties by the county supervisor of assessments or county assessor.

If this three year average level of assessment is one-third the market value, the equalization factor will be one (1).  If the average level of assessment is greater than one-third of market value, the equalization factor will be less than one (1).  And if the average level of assessment is less than one-third of market value, the equalization factor will be greater than one (1).

A change in the equalization factor does not mean total property bills will increase or decrease.  Tax bills are determined by local taxing bodies when the request money each year to provide services to local citizens.  If the amount requested by local taxing districts is not greater than the amount received in the previous year, then local property taxes will not increase even if assessments increase.

The assessed value of an individual property determines what portion of the tax burden a specific taxpayer will assume.  That individual's portion of tax responsibility is not changed by the multiplier.

Free admission, specials on concessions and ticket packages on first day to buy single-game tickets

DAVENPORT, Iowa (MARCH 19, 2013) - With the schedule set for a memorable season of new attractions and entertainment at Modern Woodmen Park, the Quad Cities River Bandits will open the ballpark for a free-entry Fan Fest this Saturday, March 23. Beginning at 12:30 p.m., the team is inviting the entire Quad Cities community to Modern Woodmen Park for a day of activities, entertainment, behind-the-scenes access, and specials on concessions and ticket packages before the season opens.

From 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, the team will hold the Fan Fest, with free admission, $1 hot dogs, soda and hot chocolates, $2 drinks and the first chance to buy single-game tickets. At the Fan Fest only, the River Bandits will also have special offers on season ticket packages of 10 games or more. Fans may also participate in a variety of activities, contests and experiences at Modern Woodmen Park.

"We are excited to welcome our guests to another season at Modern Woodmen Park, and our free Fan Fest will offer everyone a great opportunity to get great deals on tickets for the upcoming season, experience the new game day promotions, activities, and merchandise, and take a first-hand look at the latest improvements to the ballpark," said team owner Dave Heller. "And the best part is fans can enjoy a full afternoon of activities for free!"

The Modern Woodmen Park gates will open at 12:30 p.m., and while admission is free, fans can receive $2 in Bandit Bucks - good for any ticket, concessions or merchandise purchase at Modern Woodmen Park this season - by bringing in a canned food item to be donated to the CROP Hunger Walk. Each family will receive Bandit Bucks for up to five cans. At the Fan Fest, guests may purchase concessions from the Davenport Diner and other select ballpark concession stands. However, no outside food and beverage will be permitted.

The Fan Fest will be the first opportunity for season-ticket holders to pick up their purchased tickets. New and registered Kids Club members may also pick up their T-shirts and membership cards in the River Bandits team store, which will be open for fans to get the newest River Bandits merchandise before Opening Day. Young fans can play in the new Jumpin' Joey's Kids Zone for the first time, and the River Bandits will show the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament on the video board and in the Sports Lounge.

Visitors may take free tours to get a look at the newly remodeled River Bandits clubhouse, as well as the dugouts, batting cages, team offices and the latest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park, such as the Bandits Business Center powered by Bradfield's.

Fans will also have several unique, interactive opportunities during the Fan Fest. The River Bandits will preview this season's in-game promotions and on-field contests, with participants selected from the Fan Fest crowd. Fans may also share their talents by announcing commercials for the River Bandits online broadcast, or performing for videos that will be shown on the video board this season.

"The Fan Fest will be an excellent opportunity for fans to get a free first look at the ballpark and celebrate the approaching of baseball season with a day of free family-friendly fun," said General Manager Harold Craw. "The River Bandits are excited to be able to share so many promotions, activities and opportunities with our fans before Opening Day."

The River Bandits will have a running start to the season with the first-ever Bandits Race to Home 5K on Saturday, April 6, before the 2013 home opener at Modern Woodmen Park Thursday, April 11. The River Bandits season opens at Kane County Thursday, April 4.

UP NEXT: Now is the time to lock in your season ticket plan for the 2013 season! Call 563-324-3000 or visit www.riverbandits.com to download the season ticket order form. Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $50. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.

ABOUT THE BANDITS: The River Bandits will be making one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 112 feet over the playing field, will open in early June, along with two new zip lines, a carousel, new bounce houses and many other fun attractions. The team also boasts a new major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, and fans will have a chance to see last year's No. 1 overall draft pick, Carlos Correa. The Astros will also make the very first selection in the major league draft this June and could have another top pick end up in the Quad Cities. With new rides, new attractions, new improvements, a new affiliate and future major league stars, this season will be one every fan will not want to miss!

Three-year Agreement Ratified by Union After Longest Negotiation in History

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Pat Quinn today praised the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 31 members' approval of the new union contract covering some 35,000 state employees. Negotiations took more than 15 months and the agreement was ratified by AFSCME members over the past two weeks. Today's development is part of the governor's commitment to restore fiscal stability to Illinois.

"This is the best contract for all taxpayers in Illinois history," Governor Pat Quinn said. "This contract recognizes the fact that the state is facing unprecedented financial challenges. I want to thank the members of AFSCME who approved the agreement and the women and men who negotiated at the table for more than a year to get this job done. Even in difficult times, the process can work. This is a win for all of our taxpayers and a win for state workers as we continue to move Illinois forward."

AFSCME announced ratification of the contract this evening. The approved agreement will result in $900 million in healthcare savings over the life of the contract. The contract puts an end to free retiree healthcare in Illinois to ensure all retirees will begin paying a modest portion of their health insurance premiums starting July 1. In addition, the contract includes the most modest Cost of Living Adjustments in state history at a rate of 0 percent, 2 percent and 2 percent. Combined with step and longevity adjustments, this will total about $200 million over the life of the contract. The contract calls for new hires to start three steps lower, which amounts to about 9 percent less starting salary, which will save taxpayers money for years to come.

The contract also settles the pay raise litigation that has been tied up in court. As part of the agreement, the union and the administration have agreed to seek approximately $140 million in fiscal years 2012 and 2013 wages from the previous contract that were never appropriated.

This 15-month negotiation was the longest in the state's history.

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