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.
As a reminder, 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.
To learn more, visit assessor.lakecountyil.gov,
or call the office and talk to one of our taxpayer advocates.
Crews are making great progress as paving continues on the Lake County Division of
Transportation’s (LCDOT) North Shore Bike Path resurfacing project. Starting near IL Rte 43 in Lake Forest, the crews plan to make their way to Milwaukee Avenue by the middle of this week. While there may be
temporary daily closures while they work on specific sections, the remainder of
the bike path will remain open during the entire project. Questions can be
directed to Joe Munno, LCDOT Resident Engineer 847-377-7400. View the Project Website to learn more.
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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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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
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.
Forest Preserves 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 |
Take the Des Plaines River Trail Challenge Travel the entire 31.4
miles of the Des Plaines River Trail (DPRT) by Nov. 30 and be rewarded. The
final section of the DPRT was completed
in 2015 and now spans the length of the county. Help
celebrate this amazing gem by using it. Bike it. Boat it. Walk it or run
it. Or, you can make a donation to help the Forest Preserves keep it
clean and safe. Learn more. |
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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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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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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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Electronics waste collection planned for Libertyville residents An electronics waste collection will be
offered to Libertyville residents from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 17 at the
Libertyville Public Works facility, 600 North Ave. Bring an ID to show
residency. View the list of accepted materials.
Mundelein fire and police to hold open house
Join the Mundelein Fire and Police public safety open house from 10 a.m. to 1
p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17 at the police department, 221 N. Lake St. Check out the kiddie
combat challenge and a vehicle extrication performed by the fire department,
and see self-defense and evidence collection demonstrations by the police
department plus much more. Details
Fourth annual One World Festival
is coming Sept. 17 Join Mundelein’s fourth annual One World Festival, a
family-friendly festival recognizing cultures around the world through music,
dance, food, crafts, and art. The festival will take place from 11 a.m. to 3:30
p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17 at Kracklauer Park, 126 N. Lake St. Learn more
Renew or apply for passport at October event 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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