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As you'll see below, property tax bills have been mailed. We received ours on Thursday. Property axes are generally the number one topic of discussion. In the last newsletter, I provided several items about property tax calculation and distributions. The largest share of our property taxes, about 67%, supports our local schools. In Illinois, schools receive little to no state support. Therefore, the burden is shifted to our property taxes. The County portion of our tax bill is 7%. The remaining part, about 25%, is for village, township, library, park and other taxing districts. I've repeated the property tax distribution article and link below. If the online tool does not show your detail immediately, move the indicator to a neighbor's home (we are all curious) and then back to your home. Please call me if you need help.
The Opiod Crisis is a national epidemic with its roots in prescription meds. Lake County has been a leader in the effort to reverse the growing problem. Learn more about the issues and initiatives at a forum: DoubleTree Hotel, 11 a.m., Wednesday, May 9th.
A number of you have asked me about the Tri-County Access (TCA) project. The project includes the area formerly identified as the Rt 53/120 project and other transportation plans in an area from the city of Kenosha to central McHenry County to northern Cook County and all of Lake County. The TCA Environmental Impact Study (EIS) will last three years. On April 24th, 150 representatives from all levels of government, environmental organizations and others met for the second time. They addressed the definition of the region, scope, assumptions and process rules. Please follow the EIS at the project website. As you follow, please open the links on that website for meeting reports, definitions, maps, schedules and opportunities for you to participate.
Please call or email me with your questions, concerns and suggestions.
Regards,
 Be Aware of Deceptive Phone Calls
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has been made
aware of a current scam where the caller says, “This call is to inform you
there is an arrest warrant issued for your name and identity. Before the
warrant is issued to the State get back to us by calling 219-225-8553.” Don’t
give identifying or personal information to anyone over the telephone, unless
you have confirmed who you are speaking with.
Become A Lake County
Deputy Sheriff
The Lake County Sheriff’s Merit Commission is accepting
applications for Lake County Deputy
Sheriff through May 31. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen and at least
21 years of age at the time of orientation, a high school graduate (or GED),
and possess a valid driver's license. Apply today.
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 Learn About Law Enforcement Careers
Are you considering a career in law enforcement? The Job Center of
Lake County recently partnered with the Lake County Technology Campus and the
Lake County Sheriff’s Office to talk to students about pursuing a career within
criminal justice. Watch this video to
learn more.
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The first installment of Lake County property taxes is due June 6.
Please note, the taxes due on property tax bills WILL reflect
pre-payments. Bills will show the total calculated taxes due for the year, the
amount prepaid, and the remaining amount due, if any. Find out more,
including how you can view your current property tax payment status, see the
property tax payment options available and view how your property taxes are
distributed.
 The Lake County Health Department and Community Health
Center is offering Youth Mental Health First Aid trainings to the public this
spring and summer. The next workshop will be May 3. These full-day workshops
will provide adults with the knowledge to identify and support adolescents who
are at risk or displaying warning signs of mental health/substance use problems
or experiencing a mental health crisis. Registration is required. View
all upcoming trainings.
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National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day is May 10. To shed light
on mental health conditions among youth, the Lake County System of Care for
Families is hosting two free public events titled “Ending the Silence” on May
10 and 17 at the Lake County Health Department in Waukegan. Youth ages 13 to
18, caregivers, and adults who work with youth are invited to attend to learn
about the warning signs of mental health conditions and what steps to take if they
or a loved one are showing symptoms of a mental illness. Learn more
 Purchase native flowers and woody plants, a rain
barrel or compost bin, and learn about eco-friendly practices to benefit your
home, pocketbook and the community at the Native Plant, Rain Barrel and Compost
Bin Sale on Saturday, May 12, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday, May 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
at Independence
Grove in Libertyville. On
Saturday only, rain barrel and compost bins will be available for sale from the
Solid Waste Agency of Lake County. Learn
more.
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 It's a great time to go for a bike ride! Lake
County has more than 550 total miles of trails and bikeways, connecting forest
preserves and communities. Discover bike paths near you by using our Bike Lake County application.
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Electronics recycling, paper shredding, and
latex paint collection will be available at the next Recycle-O-Rama from 9 a.m.
to noon May 19 at Hawthorn Mall’s Sears parking lot in Vernon Hills. Learn more
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 Forest Preserve News
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 Wildlife in
the Preserves
By early June, coyote pups begin to
venture out of the den that has sheltered them since birth. In early summer, we
often receive reports of sightings due to increased daytime activity. When dens
are located near trails we install signs to inform trail users about coyote
behavior and how to safely respond if a sighting occurs. Learn more at LCFPD.org/coyotes.
Spring Bird Walk
May is the month for songbird
migration. Join skilled birders on these walks from 7 to 9 a.m. on select days
throughout the month. Bring binoculars if you have them. See days and locations.
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 Independence Grove Beach
Grab your swimsuit, towel and sunscreen, and head to the beach at Independence Grove, opening weekends only starting May 27. The
beach will open daily beginning June 5. The beach offers 400 feet of
sand along the lake's South Bay. Learn more
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 Lake County Public Works recently completed upgrades to the
Des Plaines River Water Reclamation Facility, which will reduce the amount of
phosphorus discharged into local waterways. Now all three of Lake County’s
water reclamation facilities have a new biological process for treating water. Watch this video to
learn more.
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