Important Info for Property Owners about Your 2016 Assessments

view as a webpage

Carol Calabresa, District 15

September 14, 2016

Green Subbanner

Important Info for Property Owners about Your 2016 Assessments

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.  


North Shore Bike Path Resurfacing

north shore bike path

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.


Lake County PASSAGE - Local Traffic Info in Your Hands!

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 notificationsTwitter 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

passage survey

New State Law Opens Door for Government Consolidation

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.


Five Ways to Spot a Phone Scam

telephone

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


Election News

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.

election judge

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.  

couch potato voter

First Human Case of West Nile Virus Confirmed in Lake County

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.

mosquito

Jail and Health Department Work to Break Cycle of Addiction

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

Join Panel Discussion on the Dangers of Heroin, Opioids

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 


Be The One To Play a Role in Suicide Prevention

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 Preserve Logo

Forest Preserves News

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. 

farm heritage festival
dog park

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

Des Plaines River Trail

News from the Lake County Sheriff's Office

train

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

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

sheriff

County Public Works To Start Semiannual Hydrant Flushing

hydrant

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


Take Steps Now To Prepare Your Family for An Emergency

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.

emergency alerts

Community News

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. 


passage

SWALCO

Forest Preserve Icon

Quick Links

Connect with Lake County

Open Gov/Board Meeting Agendas

Transportation 

Elections/Voting 

Job Center of Lake County 

Lake County Forest Preserves 

Visit Lake County 

Lake County Partners 
Lake County Crime Stoppers


Visit Lake County

Community Links

Libertyville 
Libertyville Sports Complex 
Village of Mundelein 
Mundelein Park District 


Opioid Initiative