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I am always looking for feedback on my newsletter as well as what's
happening in Lake County. If you have any comments or concerns, feel
free to send me an email,
or give me a call at 224-627-0767. If this newsletter was forwarded to
you, please sign up to continue to receive news about Lake County and
District 7.
Lake
County government is investing in various improvement projects across the
county – including road, water/sewer and stormwater projects and facility
expansion projects like the new court tower in Waukegan. To help residents see
and learn about the projects we’re working on, we’ve developed the easy-to-use
Lake County Capital
Improvement Projects web portal.
Visit the new Maps Online, which is now
easier to use, can be used on any device, including cell phones and tablets,
and has more functionality. One of Lake
County’s most frequently visited web applications, Maps Online allows users to
search and customize maps to include administrative boundaries, cities, water
features, parks, landmarks, highways, buildings and more. Check It Out Today!
Provide
Your Feedback:
Our GIS Division welcomes comments on the new Maps Online. To provide your
feedback, send an email to gis@lakecountyil.gov.
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 bodies 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.
 Forest Preserve News
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Make
a Difference for Wildlife Workday
Learn about the benefits of native plants, how to identify invasive species,
and then participate in a habitat restoration workday. This event will take
place from 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 1 at Hastings
Lake in
Lake Villa. Learn more. |
Become
a TreeKeeper
TreeKeepers is an eight session, award-winning certificate program that takes
an in-depth look at urban trees and their care. Learn through hands-on
experience from regional tree experts. Topics include identification, tree
physiology, tree pests and tree care. The program will begin Sept. 28. Learn more. |
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Join
the Colossal Cup
Join the fun as two-player teams compete for prizes Oct. 2 at the Countryside Golf Club in Mundelein. Shotgun start is at 10 a.m. The
colossal cup size is double the standard cup, so putts will sink with ease and
your score will drop with it. 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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The new Lake County Courthouse will be eight
stories tall and is expected to be completed in spring 2018. This expansion is
designed to help increase efficiency of the justice system and help the county
prepare for population growth. Watch this video to
take a tour, and see the progress being made on the expansion project. |
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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.
 Residents in
unincorporated Lake County may be able to save up to 20 percent on their flood
insurance policies. Lake County is recertified each year through FEMA based on
our floodplain and building code regulations and community information and
education. With this rating, there is a potential savings of up to $257 per
policy, saving Lake County residents $253,413 annually. Visit the County’s flood information page to determine if you
are located in a floodplain and learn more about floodplain regulations. To see
if you qualify, contact your flood insurance agent.
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Lake County Public Works has begun its fall hydrant flushing.
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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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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Learn sensible salting practices for roads, parking
lots and sidewalks as the Lake County Stormwater Management
Commission offers its next deicing workshop. The workshop will take
place Oct. 4 and 5 at the Lake County Central Permit Facility in
Libertyville. The commission will give demonstrations on best methods to
protect adjacent lawns, wetlands and waterways while providing appropriate road
salt applications. Learn
more |
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Bring documents to be shredded properly at Sept. 24 event
Join the community shred day and recycling fair from 9 a.m. to
noon Saturday, Sept. 24 at the Hunt Club Park Community Center, 920 Hunt Club
Road, Gurnee. Learn more, including items that will be collected.
Join discussion at Warren-Newport Public Library
Join retired College of Lake County Professor Mary Ann Bretzlauf for a spirited discussion about the books challenged this year at 7 p.m. Sept. 27 at the Warren-Newport Public Library. For information, call 847-244-5150.
Enjoy a movie in the park
The Grandwood Park Civic Association will host its
second annual movie in the park Oct. 1. The evening will begin with family
bingo at 6:30 p.m., and the movie will follow at dusk. Admission is free.
Concessions will be available.
Save the date for the Pumpkin Plunge
Save
the date for the Gurnee Park District’s Pumpkin Plunge on Oct. 29 at FitNation in Gurnee. Children will collect floating pumpkins and enjoy a Halloween
craft. Learn more
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