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As usual, this newsletter is filled with important and interesting information. For example, know what to do with your holiday lights (last article), stay away from bats (I have three stories if ever you are interested) and much more.
The 2019 Budget information is explained in the first article. Please read the article and view the presentation. Access to the entire budget, provides information for every resident and taxpayer. The presentation makes it clear that Lake County Government is well-run, financially secure and focused on a set values that are targeted at a sustainable future.
Lake County is in the top 3% of all counties in the country, the few with an AAA bond rating, the best rate possible. Our County stands out in Illinois (think Chicago, CPS, the State, etc.) and, as I wrote in the last newsletter, is a model for well-run government, with a great staff and effective services delivered for only 7% of property taxes. The other 93% of property taxes are used by other units of government. Schools (at about 70%) take the most out of each property tax dollar because state legislators have placed nearly the entire burden for schools on the backs of home and property owners.
You can access election results - except the final vote my seat as your Lake County and Lake County Forest Preserves Board Member. At the end of vote counting on election day, Nov. 6th, I was trailing by 16 votes. Yet to be counted are the late arriving Vote by Mail ballots and Provisional ballets. There are in excess of 600 potential ballots that may needto be counted early evening of Nov. 20th. Stay tuned!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. This is a uniquely American (USA) tradition of friends, family, special foods and customs. I hope you have an opportunity to share some of this day with loved ones.
As noted above, the outcome of my election will be determined soon. Of course, I hope to be elected and continue to serve you and all of Lake County. I have been humbled by the opportunity to meet, work with and serve you to the best of my ability. Thank you for all you have done to make this, my first-ever experience in elected office, such a rewarding four years.
Please email or call me with your comments, suggestions and questions.
Regards,
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. Lake County’s portion of your property tax payment is about 7%. The rest goes 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.
 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.
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 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.
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 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!
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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
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 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 »
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#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 »
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 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 »
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 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 »
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Enjoy These Hawthorn Woods Events
The Holiday Craft Fair will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 24 at the Village Barn. A Hometown Holiday event will take place from 3 to 6 p.m. Dec. 1 at Community Park. Movie in the Barn will take place at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Village Barn.
Recycle Your Holiday Lights
Mundelein residents who are interested in recycling their used holiday lights can bring their items to designated locations between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday Nov. 15 through Jan. 31, 2019. Learn more
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