Assessment notices, Native plant, rain barrel and compost bin sale, and More

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Michael Rummel, District 12

May 8, 2018

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Assessment Notices are Being Mailed

Assessment notices for the 2018 tax year will be sent out this week to Shields Township residents.

What is A Property Assessment?
It may help to think of the property tax process like a pie. Taxing bodies, including school districts, villages and the county (and many other taxing districts) determine how much they need to collect in taxes. That determines the size of the pie, and the property assessment determines how the pie is cut up. The assessment process ensures property taxes are fairly distributed. Elected township assessors are primarily responsible for appraising properties and determining a property’s value, which ultimately determines the portion of the total tax burden (or piece of the pie). If you have questions or concerns regarding the assessed value of your property, you should discuss this with your local township assessor’s office.

Understand Your Property Assessment 
Get free one-on-one assistance with evaluating your assessment at a tax assessment help center. The first center will be offered May 16 at the University Center of Lake County in Grayslake. Also, centers will be provided on May 29 and June 5 at the College of Lake County Southlake Campus in Vernon Hills. All centers will meet from 4 to 7 p.m. More dates will be released on the Chief County Assessment Office website. 

Taxpayer advocates are available from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Chief County Assessment Office, 18 N. County Street, 7th Floor, Waukegan.

Should You Appeal Your Property Assessment?
View the five steps to determining if you should appeal your property assessment.

online appeal video 2017

Filing an Appeal? Use our Online System
The final filing date for assessment appeals in Shields Township is June 11. Our quick and convenient Online Appeal Filing System allows you to get your appeal information to the Board of Review without the hassle of mailing or hand delivering them to the Chief County Assessment Office in Waukegan. Watch this video to learn more about the process to file an appeal online.


Sheriff’s Office News

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.

scam alerts
We are Lake County Sheriff's Office

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.


Native Plant, Rain Barrel and Compost Bin Sale

lcfpd 2018 native plant sale

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. View the native plant species available.


Lake Forest Native Plant and Tree Sale
A variety of native grasses, wildflowers, shrubs and trees will be available to purchase as Lake Forest Open Lands hosts its native plant and tree sale from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 12 at Mellody Farm Nature Preserve, 350 N. Waukegan Road. Arborists and plant experts will be on hand to answer questions. 


Save the Date for Recycle-O-Rama

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 

recycle o rama

Check Your Current Property Tax Payment Status

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.


Youth Mental Health First Aid Training

youth mental health first aid training

The Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center is offering Youth Mental Health First Aid trainings to the public this spring and summer. 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.

Ending the Silence

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 (in English) and May 17 (in Spanish) 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


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Forest Preserve News

Forest Fitness

Forest Fitness
Join the Lake County Forest Preserves and dozens of local park districts in the new Go Lake County movement. This countywide low-impact fitness initiative aims to empower Lake County residents to improve their overall health through the simple act of walking. And, there’s no greater benefit to our bodies and minds than walking in nature. Our outdoor hiking programs offered in forest preserves throughout Lake County are a natural fit to get you going. Attend our weekly Forest Fitness hikes, which are now part of the Go Lake County initiative, or take friends and family along for a hike on any of our scenic preserve trails.

 

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

Sunset paddle

Sunset Paddle
Enjoy a relaxing paddle and watch the sunset from Hastings Lake on May 20, at 7 p.m. Bring your own equipment or use one of our kayaks. No experience required, but it is recommended. Register today.


Independence Grove beach

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

coyotes

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


Public Works Takes Steps to Improve Water Quality

water quality

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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