According to the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) - when Cook County taxpayers receive their second installment 2011 real estate tax bills, they will be receiving positive news from the government agency responsible for treating wastewater and providing stormwater management.

At their February 16 Board of Commissioners meeting, the MWRD of Greater Chicago passed an ordinance directing the Cook County Clerk to reduce MWRD’s tax levy for 2011 by $21.5 million. Without the abatement, 2011 adjusted estimated taxes would have been $98.90 for a $100,000 home. Instead, the adjusted estimated taxes are $94.64 for a $100,000 home, equating to a $4.26 reduction on every $100,000 your home is value assessed.

“Taxpayers are receiving the results of decisions made by a Board of Commissioners that safeguards taxpayer money, holds the line on expenses and asks the hard questions throughout the year,” said MWRD Executive Director David St. Pierre.

The MWRD is funded primarily through property taxes.