County budget keeps $3.4 million in taxpayers' pockets, Holiday tree lightings, and More

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November 16, 2018

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As many of you may know by now, my term as your County Board Member will be ending at the end of this month. So, this will be the last electronic newsletter you receive from me. I thank all of the good people of Lake County District 6 for giving me the opportunity to represent them these past four years. And I also thank all of the good people of Grayslake for giving me the opportunity to represent them as a Village Trustee for 11 years before that.

It has been an honor, a privilege and a truly humbling experience to be entrusted to serve my community as an elected public servant.  I've gotten to work with many dedicated and talented people over the past 15 years and am proud of what we've accomplished.  Special thanks to my family, friends and all my other supporters who have been so encouraging and helpful during this time.

I wish my successor all the best as he takes over as your County Board and Forest Preserve District Representative and know the good work in the County will continue.

Sincerely,
Jeff


2019 County Budget Keeps $3.4 Million in Taxpayers’ Pockets

The Lake County Board approved a balanced budget at its November meeting. The FY19 operating budget—which funds the County’s day-to-day operations—is $3.3 million less than last year (or 1%). In an effort to provide some relief to taxpayers, this budget does not take the allowable property tax levy increase based on the Consumer Price Index. This keeps $3.4 million in taxpayers’ pockets.  The only increase in property tax revenue will come from growth on new property.

It’s important to remember that Lake County receives revenue from a variety of sources. About 7% of an individual annual property tax payment funds Lake County's government. This 7% portion is a "County-wide average." However, in most of Lake County District 6, the portion of our property tax payments that goes to fund County government is under 5% on average and has been steadily decreasing for years. This has been due primarily to aggressive cost control, innovative service practices, smart financing and debt management measures, and multiple property tax levy freezes over the years (such as this one just approved by the County Board for the upcoming new 2019 Fiscal Year). There is more detail on these efforts below and on the Lake County website. 

The rest of your property tax payment dollars go to other taxing bodies, including municipalities, townships, park districts and schools – with schools getting about 69% of your property tax payment. See exactly where your property tax dollars are going by visiting our 
Property Tax Distribution website.

Lake County’s budget invests in many service areas, from transportation and public safety to health and economic development/jobs. The County Board is committed to fiscal responsibility and delivering cost-effective, efficient services. As a result, the County has implemented operational efficiencies, leveraged technology and cut costs by sharing services between governments, which has made a difference to our bottom line. Lake County government has maintained a AAA credit rating (the highest possible) for more than 20 years due to our strong budgetary performance and well-managed financial operations, along with our strong financial policies and practices, healthy reserves and manageable debt.

To read the budget and learn more about County services and programs, visit www.lakecountyil.gov/budget.

Watch Budget Presentation from November Board Meeting

2019 Budget Play Button

Save the Date for Holiday Tree Lighting

holiday tree lighting

The holiday season is among us and it’s that time of year where we take the family out to see the bright lights! Lucky for all of us in Lake County, there are plenty of holiday trees around the area decked in festive illumination. View the list of Lake County’s tree lighting ceremonies.

Don't miss this area celebration!

  • Grayslake's holiday tree lighting ceremony will begin at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 23 at Centennial Park. Learn more about Grayslake's holiday festivities, including the holiday market and a chance to visit Santa. 

 


Lake County Supports Our Veterans

veteran

In Lake County, we appreciate the dedication and commitment of the men and women who have served in the United States Military. To honor their service, we offer resources to help veterans and their families. To learn more, visit the Veterans Assistance Commission website, and sign up for their monthly newsletter.

 

Recorder of Deeds Office Offers Information to Our Veterans
The Lake County Recorder of Deeds Office offers various services to our veterans and their families. This includes being the official keeper of veteran’s military records, or DD214. The Recorder’s Office is happy to provide veterans a free copy of this form upon the completion of a request for discharge record.

Multiple Ways Veterans Can Save Money on Their Property Taxes
Multiple exemptions are available through the Chief County Assessment Office that can help eligible veterans save money on their property taxes. Learn more about the exemptions available to veterans.

 

Helping Veterans Find Jobs

Lake County Workforce Development offers a variety of job search services and training opportunities to help job seekers gain the necessary skills to be competitive in today’s job market. Veterans receive priority service, which includes specialty workshops. Visit the Job Center of Lake County’s website to learn more.


View Election Results

election

View the unofficial results from the Nov. 6 Election. Election results are unofficial and not final until 14 days after Election Day. There are votes to count from verified provisional ballots and mailed ballots with a postmark no later than Election Day sent by county results, military members and overseas citizens.


Avoid Bats, Prevent Rabies

Never touch bats or attempt to remove them from your home! They are known carriers of rabies, which can be a fatal disease. If you encounter a bat, contact Animal Care and Control at (847) 377-4700. Check out this video to learn what you can do to protect yourself, your family, and pets from bats and rabies. Watch Video.


Lake County is Committed to Water Quality Improvement

Des Plaines River Watershed

Water is a critical resource in our lives and the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) is committed to reducing flood damages and improving water quality. To specifically address water-related issues impacting communities within the Des Plaines River Watershed planning area, the County Board approved an ordinance to adopt the Des Plaines River Watershed-Based Plan as an amendment to the Lake County Comprehensive Stormwater Management Plan. The Watershed-Based Plan identifies more than 3,000 projects in the Des Plaines River Watershed that can improve water quality, reduce flood damage, protect and enhance natural resources, provide watershed education opportunities, and improve community cooperation and participation in watershed improvement activities. 


Doing the Right Repair at the Right Time on the Right Road

pavement restoration

Maintaining and preserving the current Lake County transportation system takes top priority when putting together the Lake County Division of Transportation’s annual improvement plan. Maintaining pavements is a large part of this effort.

Watch this video to learn more about the pavement management program, which allows LCDOT to evaluate when and where repairs are needed. Also, visit our pavements website to learn more, including answers to frequently asked questions such as how the county chooses what roads to repair.


Lake County Jail Introduces Tablet System for Inmate Use

tablet

The Lake County Board recently approved funds for the Lake County Sheriff’s Office to introduce a new tablet system to the Lake County jail in early 2019. The new tablets eliminate funding fees for phone, video visitation, and tablet use. The tablets cannot access the internet, but instead contain such as law library applications, educational materials, mental health service information and jail forms/grievances. Learn more


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Forest Preserve News

Hike Lake County

Guided Hike Lake County
Join us for our last guided walk Sunday, Nov. 18 at 2 p.m. at Prairie Wolf in Highland Park. All ages welcome. Adult supervision required. Learn more »

Opt Outside

#OptOutside This Black Friday Skip the stores and #optoutside in your forest preserves on Friday, Nov. 23. Share your photos with us using hashtags #LCFPD and #optoutside. Learn more »


Forest Fitness

Burn off Thanksgiving Dinner with Forest Fitness
Join us at Old School in Mettawa on Saturday, Nov. 24 at 8 a.m. for Forest Fitness.  Walk a new preserve each week with a group of outdoor enthusiasts. Learn more »


Lunchtime tour

Lunchtime Tour at the Dunn Museum
Make the most of your lunchtime break on Friday, Nov. 30 at noon. Learn about local history on a 30-minute tour of the Dunn Museum. Then, bring your brown bag lunch to enjoy in our cafe. Learn more »


Community News

Round Lake Park Serves as Toys for Tots Drop-off Site
The Village of Round Lake Park is serving as an official Toy Drop Site for the 2018 Toys for Tots Program. The mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys and to distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted. Toy donations will be accepted now until Dec. 10 at the Village Hall. 

Free Family Movie Night

The Grayslake Park District is hosting a free movie viewing from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 18 in the Recreation Center Gym, 240 Commerce Drive. Grab blankets and chairs, and enjoy a night at the movies. Learn more

Winter Program Registration Begins
The Grayslake Park District will begin accepting registration on Dec. 4 for winter programs and events. Visit the park district website to learn more.

GO Grayslake Winter Wonderland Walk
It's the coolest GO Grayslake walk yet! Celebrate the season of lights with a GO Grayslake Winter Wonderland Walk from 4 to 5 p.m. Dec. 16 in Central Park, 250 Library Lane. The event is free. Learn more

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