Tour the Courthouse Expansion Project in Waukegan

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Bill Durkin, District 8

September 21, 2016

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Dear Neighbors,

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 847-513-1736. If this newsletter was forwarded to you, please sign up to continue to receive news about Lake County and District 8.


County Improves Transparency of Projects with New Web Map

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. 

capital improvements project web portal

Maps Online Gets A Makeover. Try It Now!

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

maps online

Take a Tour of the Courthouse Expansion Project

courthouse expansion

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.


Hearing Addresses 14th Street Improvement, Proposed Schedule

14th street public hearing

The Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) held a public hearing for the 14th Street Improvement Project in North Chicago and Waukegan on Aug. 30. The purpose of the hearing was to present the preferred improvement plan, the project schedule and to seek public input regarding the proposed roadway improvements to 14th Street from IL Route 131 to Jackson Street. To see the exhibits from the public hearing, please visit the project website


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Forest Preserve News

wildlife workday

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.

treekeeper
countryside golf club

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

Des Plaines River Trail

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 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.  


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

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.


Start Preparing for Winter at Upcoming Workshop

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

deicing

Community News

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.

Waukegan Township to hold candidate forum
Save the date as Waukegan Township holds a candidate forum from 2 to 5 p.m. Oct. 9 at Park Place. All county wide candidates have been invited to this forum, including congressional candidates from the 10th District. Learn more

Quick Links

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Community Links

Waukegan Park District 

City of Waukegan 

Waukegan Public Library 

School District 60 

Waukegan Township 

Waukegan Chamber of Commerce