Property tax bills have arrived. Tax bills are for the 2014 tax year and are due in two equal installments (June 3 and Sept. 3). Visit the Treasurer’s Office website for information on how to make a payment.

We have a number of transparency tools to help you understand your tax bill. Get answers to some frequently asked questions, and view our FAQ video. You can also view current and previous bills.

Keep in mind, while you send your payment to Lake County, the County only keeps a small portion (about 7%), and the rest is distributed to many other taxing districts. Check out our new interactive Property Tax Tour to see exactly where your tax dollars go. And, visit Lake County’s budget portal to see what Lake County does with its portion. 

This year, the Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) will have $137 million in road projects under construction making for another busy construction season. While about $60 million of that is carried over from projects that were started last year, there will be about $77 million in new projects. The plan includes 24 projects, 11 of which contain non-motorized travel improvements, such as bike paths, or adding bike friendly lanes. At a press conference at the Peterson Road Corridor Project, Lake County leaders talked about the projects, safety and the importance of transportation to economic development.  Watch now. 

Washington Street (Near Courthouse Construction site in downtown Waukegan) To Close Rest of Year
Washington Street between Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue and County Street is closed to pedestrian and vehicular traffic and will remain closed for eight to 10 months as the county advances work on the courthouse expansion project. In addition to the Washington Street road closure, the western portion of County Street from Washington Street to Water Street will also be closed with vehicular and pedestrian traffic moving to the east side of the street. Detour information, a map and information regarding the courthouse expansion are available on the project website. 

Expect Long-Term Lane Closures at Four Tollway Ramp Toll Plazas
The Illinois Tollway has scheduled long-term lane closures for repairs at four North Tri-State Tollway (I-94) ramp toll plazas starting this week. The plazas affected are Buckley Road (Plaza 20), Townline Road (Plaza 22), Half Day Road (Plaza 23) and Lake-Cook Road (Plaza 26). Look for electronic message signs to direct you through the toll plaza during repairs. All work is scheduled to be complete this summer. While ramp repairs are underway, no more than one toll collection lane will be closed at a time. I-PASS customers will have access at all times, while cash customers will be directed to pay tolls online. Visit www.illinoistollway.com for information.

The Lake County Board is committed to sustainability, as reflected in the Lake County Strategic Plan.  Here are some examples of things your county government is doing to promote sustainability:

• Lake County is investing in energy saving improvements to buildings including installation of energy efficient windows, HVAC improvements, energy efficient lighting and automation devices, and other measures. The most recent example is the renovation of the Courthouse Administrative Tower, which has resulted in a 27% reduction in energy use.

• Lake County Public Works installed new technology at the Vernon Hills wastewater treatment center that has increased water quality by removing 50% of nutrients and 98% of phosphorous.

• The County has introduced an electric vehicle pilot program, which produces zero emissions and uses zero fuel.

• The Lake County Division of Transportation recycled 156,000 pounds of scrap metal, 3687 gallons of used motor oil, and 470 gallons of used anti-freeze.

Find out other things Lake County is doing to advance our Sustainability Strategic Goal, and find out how you can "Take Action" in greening your home, business and community on our Sustainability Web Portal.  

Learn to Fight the Bite and Avoid Exposure to Ticks
The Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center is encouraging county residents to take precautions against ticks, which can carry diseases such as Lyme disease. Once considered a rare illness in Lake County, Lyme disease is becoming more common in the area. The average annual number of reported probable and confirmed cases of this disease increased steadily from 6.7 cases between 2003-2005 to 21.3 cases between 2012-2014.

Tips for reducing exposure to ticks:

• Avoid tick habitat by staying on trails when in forest preserves and parks.

• Wear light-colored, protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, boots or sturdy shoes, and a head covering. Tuck trouser cuffs in socks and tuck in shirt tails.

• Apply insect repellent containing DEET primarily to clothes. Apply repellent sparingly to exposed skin. Do not apply directly to the face. Always follow label directions and supervise children in the use of repellents. 

For more information, watch this month's Healthy Lake County video. 

Senior Citizens Can Get Pet’s Rabies Vaccination at Special June Clinic
Seniors ages 55 and older can get their cat or dog’s rabies vaccination at a seniors’ clinic from 9 a.m. to noon June 6 at the Regent Center, 1200 Regent Drive, Mundelein. The only cost is $10 for the Lake County spay or neuter tag. Pet microchipping will also be available for $15. For information, watch this month’s Healthy Lake County video.

Five Steps to Your Next Job
“Five Steps to Your Next Job,” an interactive workshop will take place from 10 a.m. to noon May 18 to 22 at the Job Center of Lake County, 1 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. The series covers the job search process from researching careers to landing your next job.  Attend all five days to earn a certificate. Seating is limited.  Call 847-377-3439 to reserve a seat. Details

Visit Employer Panel, Job Fair on May 21 in Grayslake
At 11 a.m., May 21, join the Employer Panel. A panel of human resource professionals will give the inside scoop on the hiring process. Then from 1 to 5 p.m., come to the JobMarketPlace job fair featuring nearby 80 employers. Bring a current resume, and dress in business attire. Both events will take place at the College of Lake County, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake. More information

Jon Nelson, Lake County Division of Transportation’s Traffic Engineer, was recognized as the Professional Manager of the Year in Engineering and Technology from the American Public Works Association (APWA). Nelson earned this recognition for his role in applying Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) technologies to local travel networks through Lake County PASSAGE. Nelson understands that connecting motorists with real time travel information will reduce their travel times and help them navigate local roads more effectively. Learn more.

Before Heading Out to the Preserves, Check First
Through the spring and summer, construction projects and weather-related events sometimes mean trails may be detoured and preserves and facilities may be temporarily closed to ensure public safety.

• Before heading out, check the Trail Tunnel Status Map to see if trail underpasses along the Des Plaines River Trail, the Millennium Trail, and other trail tunnel locations are open or closed.

• Emergency alerts, closure notices, construction alerts, controlled burn locations and preserve planning projects are provided on our Construction, Closures and Controlled Burns web page. Project updates also can be found on Facebook and Twitter.

• Staff is working on plans that will help create new trails and improve public access and natural resource restoration. Learn about two proposed concept plans for Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve that we are working on now.

• View or download trail maps and our countywide map and guide brochure.

Thank you for taking the time to read this edition of my Lake County News. I hope you find this information helpful. 

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With so much going on at all levels of government, know that you can contact me with your questions and concerns regarding issues. 

Thank you for the privilege to represent your interests and community.