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The
Chief County Assessment Officer gave a presentation to the county board at our
recent meeting explaining details around the assessment process, and
specifically the equalization process, which has led to in an increase in 2016 assessments. It’s important to note that the “equalization factor” can result in an increase to
your assessment, but it does not necessarily result in an increased
tax bill next year. Board members also asked many questions that
may help taxpayers understand this complex issue a little better. Watch the discussion now.
Property owners in Ela Township may have questions as to why their
2016 assessments increased to 4.99% compared to last year. The entire property
tax process is defined in State law and it dictates that
each year, the Illinois Department of Revenue
(DOR) provides its analysis of the assessment
level in a township using recent sales
transactions. The next step in the process is for the CCAO to
apply a township “equalization factor” when market sales are higher than
the assessment value levels in place to bring them to a uniform level.
The equalization factor ensures the tax burden is distributed fairly from
township to township by bringing assessment values in line with
market values. Conversely, in general assessment years - the next one
will be in 2019 - your township assessor
will review individual assessment values and
make adjustments.
If everyone’s assessment went up (by any
percentage) and taxing bodies (schools, cities, townships or
county) did raise their taxes, the equalization itself would not
impact your tax bill. This is complicated because some taxing
bodes overlap multiple townships, but essentially, the
equalization factor ensures the tax burden is distributed fairly from
township to township.
There are opportunities to appeal an assessment if you meet
certain criteria. To learn more, contact your township assessor. You can
also visit assessor.lakecountyil.gov,
or call the office and talk to one of our taxpayer advocates. Please note,
the deadline to appeal is 30 days after the date of publication of current
assessments, which is Sept. 26 for Ela Township
properties.
The
Lake County Division of Transportation is resurfacing Ela Road from IL Route 22
to Cuba Road. This project also includes the addition of bike friendly
shoulders and new sidewalk. Work is expected to begin this week. The contractor
plans to start working along the shoulder of the road, which will require daily
lane closures. Next you will see workers replacing the curb and gutter and
working on the new sidewalk that extends north and south of Route 12 and Ela
Road. By the end of the month, or the beginning of October, the contractor
expects to begin milling operations, and paving will follow later in the month.
Please visit the project website for additional information.
 The Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) is hosting the second public information meeting for the intersection improvement study of Ela Road and Long Grove Road in Barrington and Deer Park. This study was initiated to address intersection safety, existing capacity, and pedestrian and bicyclist accommodations in the project area. For more information, visit the project website.
When: 5 to 7 p.m. Sept. 21
Where: Village Church of Barrington gymnasium, 1600 E. Main St., Barrington (entrance in rear of building)
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Lake
County PASSAGE puts local traffic information at
your fingertips. PASSAGE is an intelligent transportation system designed to
provide motorists real time traffic congestion information through the PASSAGE
website, email
notifications, Twitter and radio 1620 AM. The PASSAGE website is mobile-friendly,
so you can get a map of current road conditions, construction and
events, including crashes, stalls, debris, and other roadway incidents as well
as view camera images at major intersections. Let us know what you think! Take PASSAGE Survey.
Governor
Bruce Rauner recently signed legislation that gives Lake County (along with
McHenry County) the authority to consolidate and dissolve units of local government.
This legislative change helps Lake County build on its consolidation efforts to
improve efficiency of government services and alleviate tax burdens on
residents.
Chairman
Aaron Lawlor said, “We recognize that in these tough times, the same old way of
conducting our business just doesn’t cut it. That’s why we are leading efforts
to save taxpayer money by sharing services, including contracting with
municipalities for plan review and inspection service and providing police
services at cost for some municipalities. We are also exploring the feasibility
of consolidating 911 emergency dispatch centers in the region, which presents
tremendous opportunities to improve quality, efficiency, and provide cost
savings.”
The new law
is an expansion of a 2013 law that only applied to DuPage County. This move is
a step toward reducing the more than 7,000 units of government in Illinois,
which is more than any state in the nation.
 Lake County
has seen a significant increase in phone calls made to residents of people
falsely claiming to be Internal Revenue Service (IRS) agents in the past three
months. The callers indicate that they are looking for payment and stating that
if payments are not made, the taxpayer will be arrested. Here are five things scammers often do but the IRS will
not do.
Upcoming Workshop: Seniors, Fraud
& Money
Certain crimes such
as popular scams can be targeted to older adults, so awareness and education
are key to protecting yourself. Attend this upcoming free workshop to
learn the popular scams which target senior citizens, the steps to take if you
should become a victim of a financial scam and more. Register to Attend
When: 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 24
Where: Gurnee Police Department, 100
N. O’Plaine Road, Gurnee
Questions? Contact Sandra Bankston at 847-377-3184
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Be
a part of history. Become an election judge
The Lake County Clerk’s Office is in need of
election judges for the upcoming presidential election! Election judges ensure
that the elections are fair and accurate by processing Election Day voters. Pay
is based on election training, skills and assignment. Call the County Clerk’s
Office at 847-377-2408 or visit their website to learn more. |
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Become
a couch potato voter. Vote by mail
Vote in the presidential election from the
comfort of your home! Registered Illinois voters can now request to receive a ballot by mail. Requests can be made at LakeVoterPower.info or by calling 847-377-2410. |
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 The first human case of West Nile virus in Lake
County this year has been confirmed. In addition to the human case, 84
pools (batches) of mosquitoes and two birds have tested positive for West Nile
virus in the county this year. Check out these tips
provided by the Lake County Health Department to prevent mosquito breeding and
to avoid getting bit by a mosquito.
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 Forest Preserve News
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Celebrate Lake County's agricultural roots
Join the 24th
annual Farm Heritage Festival from 9 a.m. to
4 p.m. Sept. 24 and 25 at Lakewood Forest Preserve in
Wauconda. Check out hundreds of antique
tractors, cars and other farm machinery as we celebrate Lake County’s rural
roots. Daily highlights include a tractor parade, sheep
herding demonstrations, scarecrow making, wagon and barrel train rides and a
petting zoo. |
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Dog park and horse trail permits reduced
When purchased through Nov. 30, dog park and
horse trail annual permit prices are half price. Reduced permits are valid
through the end of the year. Learn
more |
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Lake County Public
Works will begin fall hydrant flushing starting next week. Public
Works customers may notice a slight discoloration of the water after flushing.
This is not harmful and will dissipate after a short time. It is recommended
that you do not do laundry on the day that hydrant flushing takes
place in your area. View the hydrant flushing schedule. |
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Every year, suicide claims the lives of 40,000 people and another 500,000 people
attempt it. September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and the National
Council is joining with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline to expand its #BeThe1To campaign and emphasize the role everyone can play to take action and save lives.
Find
out how you can help someone who may be thinking of suicide.
Take action! Work with your
family and your community to develop an action plan, so you can be prepared if
an emergency should occur. To observe National Preparedness Month through
September, check out these resources that can help you plan. And watch this video to learn ways to get emergency information in Lake County. |
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The Lake County Jail and Health Department have launched a new
treatment option to help opioid or alcohol addicted inmates in the Lake County
Jail. Those eligible will begin receiving addiction treatment services through
the Health Department in the jail and after they are released. The Health
Department has committed to treating 15 inmates over the next six months. The
initiative is part of the Health Department’s newly expanded
Medication-Assisted Treatment program, which recently received a grant of
$325,000 from the Health Resources and Services Administration. Read news
release
Moderated by Lake County State's Attorney Michael Nerheim, the public is invited to attend a panel discussion on the danger of heroin and opioids in Lake County. The discussion will take place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 15 at the Deerfield Public Library, 920 Waukegan Road. The panel will discuss the trends, dangers, and signs of drug abuse and where to seek help. Learn more
 See
tracks? Stay safe!
Whether
you are a pedestrian or a passenger in a vehicle, stay safe around railroad
tracks and trains. Last year in Illinois, there were 140 railroad crossing
collisions involving motor vehicles. As part of Illinois Rail Safety Week,
Sept. 11 to 17, the Lake County
Sheriff’s Office will enforce traffic laws at various railroad crossings
and commuter stations to cite drivers and pedestrians who disobey the
laws. Police officers also will distribute literature on how to be safe
around trains and train tracks. Learn more
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Apply to become
a Sheriff’s Office reserve deputy
The
Lake County Sheriff’s Office is currently accepting applications for reserve
deputies. The Reserve Deputy Unit is comprised of members who give back to
Lake County through community service in the area of law enforcement. Candidates must be at least 21 years old, a U.S. citizen,
and a high school graduate (or equivalent). Apply
today |
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Want to become more self sufficient finding out benefit or medical information?
The Veterans Assistance Commission is exploring whether there is any interest in offering a hands-on class in using eBenefits and/or MyHealthyVet on the VAC computers. To learn more, call the VAC at 847-377-3344.
Become a mentor in the veterans court program
The Veterans Treatment and Assistance Court provides veterans with a favorable alternative to court conviction. The court partners in this collaborative program to enhance public safety and reduce the cost of the criminal justice process by focusing on the underlying problems that the veteran is encountering. If you're interested in becoming a mentor in the program, call Stan Villarreal at 847-377-3344.
Dine, dance and discover downtown Lake Zurich
The Village of Lake Zurich will host its fourth annual downtown block party, Rock The Block from 5 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17 on Main Street in downtown Lake Zurich. Planned as an all-ages traditional street dance, enjoy music, food and fun. Learn more
Join the new Prairie Harvest Festival
Enjoy
live music, refreshments, and games for the family at
the Prairie Harvest Festival! The festival will
take place from 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17 at the historic Casey
Farm, 31330 N. Illinois Route 21, Libertyville.
First Ela Township Day is coming
Join the first Ela Township Day on Sept. 21. The day will include open houses between 4 and 5 p.m. at several locations including the Ela Township Hall and community center followed by a picnic from 5 to 7 p.m. at Knox Park in Lake Zurich. Details
Go bird watching and walking
Citizens for Conservation and the Chicago Audubon are planning several Barrington area bird walks Sept. 16 and 26 as well as Oct. 3 and 28. These walks are free and open to the public. To RSVP, email Dan Jacobson at djacobson@audubon.org or call 312-453-0230 ext. 2002.
Join Barrington area legislative breakfast
Business leaders and the public are invited to hear first-hand updates from state legislators at the Barrington Area Legislative Breakfast Oct. 6 at Makray Memorial Golf Club in Barrington. Details
Renew or apply for passport at event Oct. 1
The Lake County Circuit Clerk passport acceptance team will help individuals renew or apply for a passport from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 1 at the Vernon Area Library in Lincolnshire. No appointment is required. Visit the Circuit Clerk's website to learn more including what you need to bring to the Oct. 1 event as well as passport services available at their office.
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