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There has been a theme to a number of conversations with constituents, friends and others. Two weeks ago, I wrote about some of my activities on the Lake County Board (LCB) and the Lake County Forest Preserves District (LCFPD) board. More recently, I answered (in part), "What does Lake County do?" In some ways, the question is really, "What do I get for the 7% of my property tax bill?" I'll briefly explain part of the services, from the perspective of the Lake County Board committees. Follow this link for the org chart that you can download as a visual aid.
I serve on the Law and Judicial committee (L&J) which approves budgets, contracts, fees and more for these elected offices: State's Attorney, Clerk of Circuit Court, Sheriff (and jail) and Coroner. Additionally. this committee has responsibilities for the Public Defender. Merit Commission, agencies of 19th Judicial Circuit Court (e.g. new Courthouse, Hulse Center, Depke Center, Courts, Probation, etc.). I have found that, in some mysterious way, people are aware of these community needs, services, governance and interrelationships AND have no idea that Lake County government is responsible for these agencies and services.
L&J met Tuesday morning to consider a number of grants and budget items for innovative service programs within the State's Attorney's Office, a state of the art e-citation system purchase for the Sheriff's Department and contracts for our current Case Management System, an IT system that serves most of the "justice partners" agencies/departments.
Wednesday afternoon, all of the items proposed by L&J were also considered by the Financial and Administrative (F&A) committee on which I serve. More on that in the next issue.
I like partnerships, and the benefits that follow, especially public/private partnerships. The Fremont Township Food Pantry partners with the Grand Dominion Annual Car Show. The show, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on August 19th (rain date 26th), includes 230 classic and super cars. Admission is free, but bring non-perishable food items, school supplies (a loaded kid's backpack?) and/or money. Last year, the Fremont Township Food Pantry received four truckloads of food and school supplies and nearly $7,000.
Please contact me by phone or email with your questions, concerns and suggestions.
Regards,
 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.
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Assessment notices for the 2018 tax year have been mailed to Ela 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, 22 and 29 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 Ela Township is Sept. 4. 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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 Lake County was recently honored with 2018 Tyler Public
Sector Excellence Award for implementing an innovative new integrated permit
and inspection system.
In
2017, Lake County implemented a new integrated permit and inspection software
system to further integrate multiple county departments into a
single unified permitting system. This allowed customers to submit and pay
for many permit applications online and review the status of their
applications and inspections using their home computer. Moving to a more
streamlined and efficient permitting and inspection software system provided
a better customer experience and saved valuable time and resources.
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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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 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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 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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 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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 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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 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
apply. The deadline to apply is Aug. 31.
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 Forest Preserve News
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 Kids
Nature Funfest
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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 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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Countryside Fire Protection District Recognition
The Countryside Fire Protection District has
achieved an Insurance Services Office (ISO) Class 2 rating; an improvement of
the previous Class 3 rating from 2010. Countryside joins only 89 out of 1,970
fire departments in Illinois to receive the Class 2 ranking. Through the
Public Protection Classification (PPC) program, ISO evaluates municipal
fire-protection efforts in communities throughout the United States. The new rating could potentially decrease business and
residential insurance premiums. Property owners in the Countryside Fire
Protection District should check with their insurance agent.
Don't overlook the local links below for fun, learning and health opportunities!
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