Chitownproperty

Today is the last day to pay Cook County property taxes. After the close of business today, unpaid bills will be charged a 1.5 percent late fee on the amount each month. But Mayor Daley announced that there will be no property tax increase for 2006, the third straight year. Instead, they are offering a $100,000 grant to small businesses and homeowners willing to grow gardens on their roofs. The grants are part of a program encouraging green roofs that can reduce energy costs by 30 percent.