DuPage County District 1 December Newsletter

December 2018 newsletter for DuPage County Board District 1

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Selmon inaugurationTornatore inauguration

Board Members Take Oath of Office

County Board members Ashley Selmon and Sam Tornatore took their oaths of office at the DuPage County inauguration ceremony on Dec. 3. Selmon is a new member on the board, while Tornatore won re-election.


Puchalski Animal Services

Puchalski Celebrates the Holidays with Animal Services Staff

DuPage County Animal Services Committee member Don Puchalski celebrated the work of DuPage Animal Services department by treating staff members to a holiday dinner. Each year, DuPage Animal Services staff work with approximately 2,500 animals housed in the shelter.


County Board Approves FY2019 Budget

The DuPage County Board approved its FY2019 budget, marking the 11th consecutive year the County has passed a budget with no property tax increase. The 2019 budget is $433.8 million, down $5.8 million from the previous fiscal year. The approved budget includes a full-time headcount of 2,167, which is down from 2,270 in 2010.

Due to decreasing state revenues, fluctuating sales tax revenues, and increasing personnel costs, the budget includes a reduction to the Stormwater Management Department, the Human Services Grant Fund, and the DuPage Care Center subsidy.

The budget includes a $100,000 allocation to continue the fight against heroin in DuPage County. The DuPage County budget takes effect Dec. 1.

Click here to view the full 2019 County budget document, or to watch a video explaining how the County utilizes tax dollars to support programs and initiatives.


DuPage County Receives CRS Rating, Resulting in Discounted Insurance Rates

DuPage County recently earned a rating in the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Community Rating System (CRS) program that can save unincorporated residents up to 20 percent on their flood insurance costs.

The Community Rating System (CRS) program credits government agencies for efforts that go above and beyond standard flood protection for property owners. Following an evaluation, a community receives a rating on a scale from 1 to 10, and a corresponding reduction in FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program premium is offered to the community’s residents.

DuPage County received a CRS rating of 6, meaning unincorporated residents in floodplains are eligible to receive up to a 20 percent discount on their flood insurance premiums. DuPage County officially became enrolled in the program Oct. 1.

Unincorporated residents who pay flood insurance should contact their insurance provider about how to save money due to DuPage’s new CRS rating. Learn more about the DuPage County CRS Program.


County Celebrates Cool Yule Students

Cool Yule

County Board members Don Puchalski, Ashley Selmon, and Sam Tornatore welcomed students from Conrad Fisher Elementary School in Elmhurst for a proclamation celebrating the Cool Yule Tree in the County Administration building. Students from Conrad Fisher designed ornaments made from recycled and reused products to celebrate being environmentally friendly.


DuPage County Wins Sustainability Award

Sustainability Award

DuPage County recently received the Illinois Sustainability Award for its significant achievements in protecting the environment, helping sustain the future, and improving the economy. Chairman Dan Cronin, Public Works Committee Chairman Jim Healy, Stormwater Committee Chairman Jim Zay, and Transportation Committee Chairman Don Puchalski accepted the award, which was presented by Zuleima Chagui of the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center. Learn more about DuPage County’s sustainability efforts and why DuPage won the award.


Stay Safe Around Snow Plows!

Snow plow video

As we prepare for the official start of winter, DuPage County Transportation crews have already cleared roads, bridges, and pathways from one major snowstorm and they are geared up and ready for more snow. Check out this video to learn how you can stay safe while snow plows are clearing the roads!


HOPE Taskforce Recognized for Efforts with Opioid Recovery

HOPE Taskforce Recognition

Chairman Dan Cronin presented DuPage County Health Department Director Karen Ayala and County Board member and Board of Health President Sam Tornatore with a proclamation for National Recovery Month in September. Chairman Cronin recognized the work of the HOPE Taskforce to reduce the number of people addicted to opioids by helping them get the treatment they need.


Holiday Giving Opportunities

It’s the holiday season, and nothing feels better than giving back this time of year! There are numerous ways you can help the residents of the DuPage Care Center. Nearly 80 percent of the long-term residents at the County’s nursing home are dependent on Medicaid. If you would like to make some holiday wishes come true, you can learn more on the Care Center Wish List webpage.


Community Center Dedicated in Honor of Former Board Member

Linda Kurzawa dedication

Chairman Dan Cronin and County Board member Sam Tornatore dedicated the DuPage County Health Department Community Center in honor of former Board member Linda Kurzawa. Kurzawa served as the president of the DuPage County Board of Health from 1999 until 2018 and served as a County Board member for 18 years.


Low Income Energy Assistance Available!

Winter is just around the corner, and wintry weather is already here! DuPage County Community Services is accepting applications for the annual Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) until May 31, 2019, or until funds are depleted. Learn more about the LIHEAP program.

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