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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.
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.
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.
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 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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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.
 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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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
 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 |
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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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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