Second Installment of Property Tax Payment Due Sept. 6
The second installment due date of 2019 Lake County property taxes is Sept. 6. There are numerous ways to pay, many without leaving your home. If you mail your payment, make sure it is postmarked no later than Sept. 6. If you want to pay in person, the Treasurer’s Office business hours on Sept. 6 are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Benton Township Assessment Notices in the Mail
2019 assessment notices are in the mail this week for property owners in Benton Township. Property owners in other Lake County townships will receive their notice later this fall.
An assessment notice is not your tax bill. It is a value placed on your property by your township assessor to estimate the market value of your home as of Jan. 1, 2019.
Understand Your Assessment The Chief County Assessment Office is hosting tax assessment help centers in September and October. Here, property owners can talk one-on-one with taxpayer advocates to understand the information on their assessment, see how to use the County's new web applications, and learn about homestead exemptions which can potentially provide tax relief.
Appeals Must Be Filed Electronically Property owners can appeal their assessment on their own through the Lake County Board of Review. No attorney is required for a residential appeal. Prior to filing a formal appeal to the Board of Review, property owners should contact their local township assessors office to discuss their concerns. There is a 30-day deadline to file an appeal, and it must be done online.
Strong Financial Management Helps County Secure AAA Bond Rating
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Lake County in 2019 has once again been awarded AAA bond ratings, the highest possible, by both Standard & Poor's Financial Services (S&P) and Moody’s Investors Service, two of the world’s largest credit rating agencies. This marks more than 20 consecutive years that Lake County has achieved this rating.
The high rating is important because it helps keep borrowing costs low and reflects a vote of confidence by financial experts in Lake County's strong financial management. The AAA rating has led to significant tangible savings for Lake County. The county will realize more than $7 million in savings on borrowing costs over the next nine years from replacing and reissuing two transportation bonds. Read more.
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Waukegan Savanna Dog Park
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The Waukegan Savanna Dog Park in Wadsworth is scheduled to open September 13. The 11-acre off-leash park features amenities including a separate enclosed area for small dogs weighing less than 25 pounds, shade shelters and drinking water for dogs and people. Annual or daily permits are available for the new dog park located within Waukegan Savanna Forest Preserve. The Lake County Forest Preserves is waiving the cost of daily permits at the new Waukegan Savanna Dog Park from opening day on September 13 through October 1. All other Dog Park rules apply.
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Lake County’s Amazing K9s: Boomer and Browser
Lake County Sheriff’s Deputy Brian Kilpatrick and Explosive Detection K9 Boomer won five first-place national titles and one third-place national title at the 20th Annual Vohne Liche Kennels Certifications and Trails.
K9 Browser, the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office electronic detection canine, put his skills to work as he and Handler Carol Gudbrandsen assisted the F.B.I. in a child pornography case involving an Indiana man. Read more.
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Innovative Program Helps Low-Income Drivers Get Back on the Road
Lake County celebrated a milestone recently in its innovative Road to Reinstatement Driver’s License Pilot Program. Watch video.
The program—the culmination of a concerted effort led by Vice-Chair Mary Ross-Cunningham on behalf of the Lake County Board—was established to address on the local level an issue that is experienced by many low-income individuals nationwide: the loss of their driver’s license because of an inability to pay outstanding fees and fines. Read more.
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Job Fairs and Workshops in September
Looking for a job? There are many job fairs and career workshops to help you land your next job happening in Lake County in September!
5 Steps to Your Next Job
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Protect Your Home: Get Floodproofing Tips
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Get some important floodproofing tips and learn how increased rainfall is impacting Lake County.
Staff from the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) will share information about how frequent and stronger rainfall events in Lake County are impacting residents, business owners and public and private development projects, provide floodproofing tips and resources, and answer questions. More information.
September 17, 10 a.m. - Noon
Warren-Newport Public Library, Meeting Room A/B
224 O’Plaine Rd, Gurnee
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Drive Safely Near School Buses
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What is the most dangerous part of the school bus ride? The bus stop! Children are at greatest risk when they are getting on or off the school bus. Watch this video from the Lake County (IL) Sheriff's Office about what to do when driving near a school bus.
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Requests for Watershed Management Project Proposals
The Lake County Stormwater Management Commission is accepting requests for proposals for Watershed Management Board (WMB) funded projects for FY2020. Homeowner associations, water alliance groups, and community members can submit a project idea that can positively impact the community. The proposal submission deadline is at 4 p.m. Oct 4. Additional information.
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Waukegan Savanna Dog Park
Bring your favorite canine pal to the Waukegan Savanna Dog Park in Wadsworth beginning Sept. 13. The Lake County Forest Preserves is waiving the cost of daily permits at the new Waukegan Savanna Dog Park from opening day on September 13 through October 1.
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Household Chemical Waste Event
SWALCO is hosting two household chemical waste events at its Gurnee facility, 1311 N. Estes Street, on Saturday Sept. 14 and Monday, Sept. 23. Collections are for residential waste only. Appointments are required. Learn more.
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2020 Census Resources for You
The 2020 Census provides an opportunity for everyone to be counted. The results of the 2020 Census can help shape the future of your community. And there are many ways for individuals, businesses, community organizations and others to play a part: |
#EndOverdose Training Event
Member agencies of the Northern Illinois Public Health Consortium (NIPHC), including the Lake County Health Department, are joining together to promote opioid overdose awareness and are offering free training that covers how to recognize signs of an overdose and how to use Naloxone, a lifesaving antidote. All Lake County residents are welcome to attend on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Waukegan Public Library, 128 N County St. More details.
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George Bridges 5K Run/Walk
Come to the George Bridges 5k Run/Walk on Saturday, Sept. 21 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at the Waukegan Field House Sports, Fitness & Aquatics Center, 800 Baldwin Avenue, Waukegan. All proceeds will benefit the Special Recreation Services of Northern Lake County! More information.
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Community of Character Walk
A night to come together and celebrate all good things happening in Zion at the 6th Annual Community of Character Walk on Thursday, Sept. 12 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. The walk will start at the Bandshell next to the Zion Park District Leisure Center. Learn More.
Lake County Film Festival
Film fans are invited to the ninth Lake County Film Festival, hosted by the College of Lake County from Sept. 5 to Sept. 10 in Grayslake, Waukegan and Lake Forest. This year’s festival features eight narrative features, seven documentary features and more than 70 short films. The opening night features “QWERTY,” a 2010 romantic comedy, at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 5 in the Room A010 Auditorium on the Grayslake Campus. Details on show times and room locations are at www.lakecountyfilmfestival.org.
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GO Story Walk
The Gurnee Park District invites families with children ages 1-6 to listen to a reading of Fletcher and the Falling Leaves by Julia Rawlinson while enjoying face painting, crafts and other activities. Saturday, Sept. 7 from 10 to 11 a.m. at Hunt Club Park, 900 North Hunt Club Road, Gurnee. Learn More.
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Apple Cider & Campfire at Bowen Park
Spend a relaxing night with the family and enjoy silly songs, s’mores, apple cider and more around a cozy campfire. Come to Bowen Park, 1800 N. Sheridan Road in Waukegan on Friday, Sept. 13 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Bowen Park. Learn more.
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Free Yoga at Beach Park Village Hall
Bring a pillow and a blanket to this free class for all levels! Join our safe harbor where you will feel secure in the inherent goodness within your heart and in the world. Come on Tuesday, September 17, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Village Hall, 11270 W. Wadsworth Road, Beach Park. Learn More.
Forest Preserve News
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Hike Lake County Challenge
Grab your hiking shoes and head to the trails to participate in the Hike Lake County challenge while enjoying fall breezes and autumn colors. You have until November 30 to complete seven hikes throughout the Lake County Forest Preserves and earn a commemorative shield for your walking stick or a zipper pull when you turn in your Travel Log. Learn more »
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Carp-O-Rama
Compete to catch the largest and most carp. Help reduce carp overpopulation. Catch and keep, or turn in your carp in to us at Carp-O-Rama. No limit. Cash prizes awarded. Fish to your heart’s content Saturday, Sept. 7, from 6:30 a.m. to noon, in the South Bay at Independence Grove Forest Preserve. A valid Illinois fishing license is required for ages 16 and older. Learn more »
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Night Voyageur
Paddle into the 1740s with our 34-foot Montreal canoe and learn about Lake County’s tie to the French fur trade. The program takes place 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 14 at Van Patten Woods Forest Preserve in Wadsworth. Meet at the boat launch lot. Designed for adults, families with children ages 8 and up. $10 residents, $14 nonresidents. Registration required. Learn more »
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