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The County Board recently approved its annual budget
for next year, which is balanced and reflects the board’s commitment to fiscal
responsibility and making decisions that protect the long-term, fiscal health
of the County. The Board’s strong, fiscally conservative budget policies allow
the County to manage challenging times, maintain its fiscal stability, as well
as maintain our extremely strong AAA credit rating. The 2017 operating
budget, which funds the day-to-day operations, is essentially the same as last
year, up only less than one percent. In anticipation of potential State funding
cuts given the uncertainly of the State budget, County departments cut their
budgets by 2% through restructuring and other efficiency measures.
Additionally, there are 11 fewer employees than last year, and there are 100
fewer employees than five years ago. These reductions have been made without
adversely impacting service levels. The board continues to invest in our
infrastructure, including our transportation system and the delivery of Lake
Michigan Water to the northwest region of the County. Check out our new,
reader-friendly on-line budget portal, which provides a walk-through of our
budget, including key takeaways, where the money comes and where it goes. www.lakecountyilbudget.org.
 To view the
unofficial results from the November 8 election, visit the Lake County Clerk’s website. Remember,
election results are unofficial until provisional and late-arriving vote by mail
ballots are counted 14 days after the election, and the results are certified.
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The Illinois State Treasurer is holding $2.5
billion in unclaimed funds for Illinois residents. The state holds these lost
funds until they are claimed by either the original owner or their heirs.
Property is returned at no cost with the proper identification. Visit the
Illinois State Treasurer’s site and enter your name or
business to see if money is being held.
Did you know that
there are 20 bins across Lake County where you can recycle clothing and
textiles? And, by making energy efficient improvements, you can reduce energy
costs by 15 to 30 percent -- or $450 to $900 a year? Visit our new Sustainable Lake County website to find out ways you can help the environment in your community. Some tips
may save you some money too! |
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The Lake County Sheriff’s
Office is partnering with the Veterans
Assistance Commission, local law enforcement agencies and schools to
collect coats and outerwear for veterans and their families. The collection
period ends Nov. 30.
Bring gently used coats, gloves,
hats, socks and scarves to one of the following locations:
- Lake County Courthouse and
Administrative Complex, 18 N. County St., Waukegan
- Lake County Sheriff’s Office, 25
S. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Waukegan
- Lake County Sheriff’s Office,
1301 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville
 Forest Preserve News
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Earn
a Bonus When Purchasing a Golf Gift Card
Simplify your shopping, surprise the golfer in your life and receive a
bonus this holiday season. From Nov. 14 through Dec. 30, receive a $10
bonus for each $100 in Lake County Forest Preserves golf gift card you
purchase. Gift cards are redeemable at ThunderHawk (Beach Park), Countryside (Mundelein), and Brae Loch (Grayslake) golf clubs. Gift cards
never expire. Bonus vouchers expire after June 30, 2017. Learn more. |
Des Plaines River Trail Challenge and Hike Lake County End Nov. 30
Just a few weeks left! There’s still time to finish the Des Plaines River Trail Challenge and Hike Lake County. Finish by Nov. 30 to
receive great rewards and be entered to win raffle prizes. |
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 The newly formed Lake
County Mental Health Coalition, co-chaired by Lake County Board Chairman Aaron
Lawlor and the Honorable Susan Garrett (former IL State Senator, 29th
District), recently held its first introductory meeting. The
group had a productive and positive discussion pertaining to community change
as it relates to mental health, development of systems to share data, and the
need to address stigmas associated with mental health. The next steps will be
to identify the mental health services already in place and how we can provide
a unified approach to delivering these services throughout Lake County. In this
video, Lawlor and Garrett discuss the work of the coalition. Watch now
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As we enjoy the fall season, drivers also need
to be more vigilant and watch for deer on the roads. Autumn coincides with the
mating season and increased deer movement, particularly at dusk and dawn.
According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, Lake County ranked
among the top 10 Illinois counties for crashes involving deer in 2015. Learn how
you can keep safer on the roads. |
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Celebrate Holidays at Grayslake Festival and Market
The Grayslake Chamber of Commerce
downtown tree lighting festival and holiday market will take place from 5:30 to
8 p.m. Nov. 25. Santa will arrive at the holiday tree in Centennial Park at
5:30 p.m. and will visit with the kids at The Oasis at 5:45 p.m. Enjoy sleigh
rides on Center Street between 6 and 8 p.m. For information, contact the
Grayslake Chamber of Commerce at 847-223-6888.
Round Lake Area Park District To Host Holiday Festival
Save the date for the Round Lake Area Park District holiday festival on Dec. 3. Enjoy ice sculptures, games, Little Elves workshop, sleigh rides, a performance by the Community Band, pictures with Santa and more. Details
Hainesville Offers Leaf Vacuum Service To Residents
Leaf vacuum service
will be offered to residents within the Village of Hainesville on Wednesdays
through Nov. 30. Be aware that due to the volume of leaves any particular week,
the leaf collection truck may not always arrive at your home the same time each
week. Have your leaves ready for pick-up by 6:30 a.m. Wednesday. Learn
more
Spring Semester Registration Open at CLC
Begin your bachelor’s
degree, work toward an associate degree or certificate, start a new career or
develop your talents at the College of Lake County in 2017. Spring Semester
classes begin Jan. 16, and registration is now open. To view course offerings
and learn how to become a CLC student, visit www.clcillinois.edu/spring.
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