@ChefKevin :Kev - they don't know if your house lost value. Don't use your assessed valuation as a basis to determine the fair market value of your home. It's not reliable.

@JnJI called the City of Peoria Waste Management myself to "chat" with them about the matter. I was told that this was the work of our illustrious city council members.

Removed By Request

Ours went up $400. I knew we shouldn't have painted that bedroom.

@JnJ Very true.
The Assessor basically starts with the county? budget. and then divides the amount they need to collect between all properties.
If you live in an average area, you probably get a 3% increase. If one area increases, another declines.

Ours went up $30. Peoria County..
Not complaining. We pay our own garbage.

Pays to be old & poor! Well, as long as I keep the income below $55,000 the Homestead & Senior Exemptions + living in the "inner city", my taxes are very low, even with the garbage fee added.
Update, May 3rd Paid both installments today! Glad to have that out of the way. Even had the opportunity to practice my back-in parking skills as I went to City Hall.