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I joined Nineteenth Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Jay Ukena, Lake County Board Chairman Aaron Lawlor, along with judges, county board members, elected officials, justice partners and others July 17 for the ribbon-cutting of the new Court Tower in downtown Waukegan. The ceremony also included the dedication of the Audrey H. Nixon Pedestrian Bridge.
The new eight-story, 200,000 sq. foot court tower houses 12 new courtrooms, jury assembly space, various administrative services and room for six future courtrooms. The tower construction began in June 2016 and opened to the public July 30, 2018. Watch this video to learn more.
Assessment notices for the 2018 tax year will be mailed this week to Waukegan 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.
Meet with a Taxpayer Advocate
Individuals can get free one-on-one assistance with evaluating your assessment at a tax assessment help center.
Centers will be provided on Aug. 14, 21 and 28 at the College of Lake County Southlake Campus in Vernon Hills and Aug. 8, 15 and 22 at the University Center of Lake County in Grayslake. These centers will meet from 4 to 7 p.m. More dates will be released on the Chief County Assessment Office website.
Taxpayer advocates also 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.
 Filing an Appeal?
Use our Online System The final filing date for assessment appeals in Waukegan Township is Aug. 30. 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.
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 I was honored to recently represent Lake County as I attended the National Network of Criminal Justice Coordinating Councils conference in Salt Lake City. The annual meeting provides attendees with peer-to-peer learning opportunities and discussion of issues most relevant to criminal justice coordinating councils (CJCCs) around the country. Learn more
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 Enjoy an afternoon of nature activities that grow a child’s love of the outdoors at Kids Nature Funfest on Aug. 19 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Greenbelt Cultural Center in North Chicago. See live animals, build a fort, net some insects, make creative arts and crafts, and take part in nature activities with several of our community partners. Open to families with children ages 12 and under, the event is free. No registration is required. Dress for the weather; event runs rain or shine.
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 Do you know an Illinois veteran whose contributions are above and beyond the call of duty? In partnership with the Illinois Bicentennial Office, the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs is accepting nominations to honor the work of 200 Veterans from across the state. Nominations will be evaluated on their achievements and on the extent to which their contributions have aided, benefited and provided inspiration to their community. Learn more, including the qualifications and how to submit your nomination. The deadline to apply is Aug. 31.
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 The Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center has opened its new Zion Health Center, which will greatly expand access to quality health services for residents of northeast Lake County. Located at 1911 27th St., the site was fully renovated to provide integrated health services, including primary care, dental care, behavioral health, women’s health, nutrition services, case management, and more to provide patient-centered care under one roof. Watch this video to learn more about the new center.
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 The Lake County Health Department has confirmed nine pools or batches of mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile virus, tracking ahead of the seasonal average in Lake County. Summer and fall are prime times for West Nile virus. Take action by following these prevention tips.
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 Returning citizens and individuals with a criminal background can learn the skills needed in today’s workplace through a new program through Lake County Workforce Development called Revive Lake County. Individuals who successfully complete the program may be eligible to receive financial aid for job training or a paid work experience. Interested individuals are required to attend an information session at the Job Center’s Waukegan location. View the schedule.
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 If you or someone you know is feeling alone, do not be afraid to ask for help. Immediate mental health assistance is a phone call or a text away. Learn more about services in Lake County including Text-A-Tip and the Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center’s Crisis Care Program.
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 Another television show will be riding with members of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office beginning this month. The show, “Women on Patrol” will ride along with our Highway Patrol Division and provide an inside look at the responsibilities of the Sheriff’s Office and the variety of calls Sheriff’s Deputies respond to. This is not the first time the Sheriff’s Office has been featured on a television show! Watch this video to learn more about the Sheriff’s Office on “Live PD.”
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 Forest Preserve News
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 Aquatic Plant ID from a Canoe
Learn about some of the fascinating plants growing in aquatic ecosystems while paddling a canoe. Some previous paddling experience preferred. Only 12 spots are available! Learn more and register today.
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 Fred Fest
Fred Fest returns to the Fox River Preserve in Port Barrington! The event features a diverse lineup of local bands, food and drinks for purchase, and family-friendly activities. Fred Fest benefits the Preservation Foundation of the Lake County Forest Preserves. Learn more
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 If you have any questions or concerns, please call me at 847-721-1563 (cell) or email me at mcunningham@lakecountyil.gov.
I encourage you to forward this update to others who may be interested in Lake County news. Residents who wish to automatically receive my bi-weekly newsletter can email me, or click the “Newsletter Sign Up" button at the top of the newsletter.
Thank you,
Mary Ross Cunningham
Ms. Cunningham, County Board member and Forest Preserve Commissioner, serves on:
Lake County Board, 9th District:
Diversity and Inclusion Committee, (Ad-Hoc), Chair
Lake County Law and Judicial Committee, Chair
Lake County Health and Community Services
Lake County Rules Committee, vice chair
Lake County Government Reform Implementation Committee
Lake County Forest Preserves, 9th District:
Operations Committee, Vice Chair
Diversity and Cultural Awareness Committee
Gospelfest Committee, chair
Other appointed positions:
National Association of Counties (NACo), Board Representative
Lake County Community Health Center Governing Council, secretary
Lake County Board of Health Personnel Committee, Chair
Community Action Partnership of Lake County, Board Member
Lake County Domestic Violence Council
Lake County Sexual Assault Coordination Committee
Waukegan High School Advisory Board
Lake County Veterans Advisory Board
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