June 4, 2019
Property News
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First Installment of Property Tax Bill is Due June 6
As the deadline to pay the first installment of Lake County property taxes approaches, property owners are encouraged to learn more about their tax bill and become aware of the different ways to pay. The Lake County Treasurer’s Office has partnered with more than 20 local banks to collect property tax payments, which may be more convenient for you than driving to the Treasurer’s Office in Waukegan. Find out more.
Exemptions Available To Provide Tax Relief to Homeowners
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Are you getting all the of property tax exemptions you're entitled to? To qualify for any property exemption, it must be the taxpayer's principal residence.
In Illinois, exemptions are available for a general homestead, senior citizens, disabled persons, disabled veterans, returning veteran (within the last two years), and for home improvements. Learn more to make sure you are getting ALL of the exemptions you are entitled to.
If you notice a discrepancy, please contact the Lake County Treasurer's Office at 847-377-2323 so they can promptly remedy your situation. You can also email at treasurer@lakecountyil.gov.
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Protect Your Home with Property Check
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The Lake County Recorder of Deeds Office provides a tool for homeowners to help protect their biggest investment. Property Check is a free, easy-to-use, 24/7 online service that will alert subscribers, via email and/or text message, whenever a document is recorded against their name and/or property. The sign-up process only takes a few minutes. Sign up today.
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County Board News
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Senate Bills To Enhance Service, Address Public Health
Senate bills that will enhance service, address public health issues, and potentially lead to Lake County taxpayers saving money were passed this past week by both the State House and Senate and are now on their way to the Governor’s Desk for signature.
Senate Bill 90 provides local municipalities and counties a new method of dissolving drainage districts. The bill gives Lake County’s Ad Hoc Drainage District Consolidation Committee additional options for streamlining services to maintain our rivers and streams as it looks for opportunities to consolidate local drainage districts while providing potential cost savings. Special thanks to Senate Sponsor Senator Dan McConchie and House Sponsor Representative Daniel Didech.
Senate Bill 1114 gives Lake County new options to quickly remove hazards, such as garbage, waste, or hazardous substances from properties that impact public health or safety. Right now, an Illinois code requires a 30-day notice before the County can remove these items. This new bill will allow the County to more rapidly address these hazards to protect people and property. Special thanks to Senate Sponsor Senator Melinda Bush and House Sponsor Representative Sam Yingling.
Both bills are among key priorities of Lake County. We would like to thank all our Lake County Legislators for their support during the Illinois 101st General Assembly 2019 Spring Session!
County Board Approves New Rules
The Lake County Board recently approved its Rules of Order and Operational Procedures at the May 14 meeting, which addresses several measures, including a continued focus on transparency to make county government more open, accountable and accessible.
Watch All County Board Meetings
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Keep informed about Lake County government! Watch County Board meetings live at 9 a.m. on the second Tuesday of each month. You can watch meetings live online or on Comcast channels 18 and 30, or AT&T channel 99. You can also view archived board meetings and standing committee meetings anytime.
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Environmental News
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Partnership To Interconnect Brooks Farm and Round Lake Water Systems
Lake County and the Village of Round Lake have agreed to construct an interconnection between the Brooks Farm and Round Lake water systems, which will allow the County and village to supply water to each other when repairs are made or during emergency situations when the normal source of water supply is unavailable. This partnership will provide continuity of service and minimize disruptions to customers in either water system when problems arise.
In order to make this connection, approximately 50 feet of water main pipe will need to be installed along Brooks Farm Road in the Brooks Farm Subdivision. This work will not require any road closures.
Site work is expected to begin the week of June 17, 2019, and the work is expected to take no more than one month. This work is weather dependent.
Lake County Sets New Flood Stage Record in 2018
Lake County has been experiencing more frequent and stronger rainfall events and hit a new record in 2018 when it went above flood stage during six separate storm events. With current rainfall trends, Lake County could be on track to break 2018's flood stage exceedance in 2019. Rainfall events this year have already caused river levels to exceed flood stage four times. |
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The increased rainfall not only impacts the Stormwater Management Commission but also other Lake County operations, including the Lake County Division of Transportation and Public Works, which has to factor rainfall into designs for infrastructure improvements, and the Lake County Emergency Management Agency, which is the lead on flood response efforts for the County. Read more.
Ethylene Oxide Update
Outdoor air monitoring is set to begin this week near Vantage Specialty Chemicals in Gurnee and Medline Industries in Waukegan. In partnership with the Lake County Health Department, the Village of Gurnee and City of Waukegan have hired GHD Services, Inc. to conduct the air monitoring to help officials better understand the levels of ethylene oxide (EtO) in the air. Samples will be collected every third day for 30 days, with additional samples being collected on random dates. Monitoring canisters will be sent to a laboratory for analysis, and the first results are expected within a few weeks. Learn more about Health Department activities related to EtO emissions.
County Recognized as Leader in Advancing Solar Energy
Lake County recently earned the highly coveted SolSmart Bronze Designation, furthering Lake County’s commitment to solar power growth in the community. Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy's SunShot Initiative, SolSmart recognizes local governments who take keys steps to reduce barriers to solar energy growth and makes it easier for homes and businesses to go solar. |
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The County was awarded this designation by increasing transparency for community members and solar installers through an online permitting checklist and identifying restrictions that limited solar development.
Are you interested in installing solar power for your home or business? Learn more by visiting the County’s Solar Energy web page.
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Health News |
Low-Cost Pet Vaccination Clinic June 15 in Ingleside
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The Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center’s Animal Care and Control program is offering a low-cost pet vaccination clinic from 9 a.m. to noon June 15 at 26725 W. Molidor Road, Ingleside. The clinic provides a convenient and affordable way to keep your pets up to date with shots and rabies tags. Only cash will be accepted on site. All animals must be at least four months old. Learn more
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Job News
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First Lake County Graduation Job Fair
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Meet with top employers around Lake County, who are looking to hire recent graduates at the first annual Lake County Graduation Job Fair from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, June 6 at the College of Lake County in Grayslake. Companies representing many industries including healthcare, manufacturing, business, engineering, hospitality, automotive, and more will be on site. Learn more
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Lake County Partners Hosts Annual Big Event
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Lake County Partners’ Big Event recently brought together hundreds of business and civic leaders to focus on continued collaboration and business growth. Companies and communities learned about the economic outlook in Lake County and got insight into the latest tools and trends that they need to fuel economic development. Watch this video to find out more.
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Transportation News
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Make Travel Easier! Use the Redesigned Lake County PASSAGE App
Make your driving a little easier and use the newly updated and redesigned Lake County PASSAGE app for IOS or Android. PASSAGE is an Intelligent Transportation System designed to give users real-time traffic congestion updates and important local road information. |
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The Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) recently launched a new version of the PASSAGE app for the iPhone and iPad, and the updated app for Android has been available since November 2018. Downloads are available on the Apple Store or Google Play Store. Learn more
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Forest Preserve News |
Ray Lake Features Panoramic Views and History
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Of the 65 properties owned and managed by the Lake County Forest Preserves, Ray Lake in Wauconda ranks sixth in terms of size. It took 12 separate land acquisitions to grow Ray Lake to its current 1,039 acres. The preserve got its start in 1992 with a small 7-acre parcel. It got its name in 1999 when the Lake County Forest Preserves purchased 401 acres from the Ray family.
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Ray Lake visitors can hike, ride bikes or horses, and cross-country ski on a 2.3-mile gravel trail that loops around wetlands and open prairies. The trail also has three boardwalks and a scenic overlook. Learn more »
Forest Preserves Look to Provide Added Protection for Rare Natural Areas
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The Lake County Forest Preserves is looking to permanently protect some of its highest-quality natural areas that have rare plants, animals and other unique natural features by registering them into the Illinois Nature Preserves System. As a dedicated nature preserve, these remnant natural areas receive an added level of conservation protection by the District and the state to keep them ecologically sustainable. Learn more »
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Community Events and News
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