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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2019 assessment notices were mailed last week to all 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.
Green Bay Road Construction in Beach Park
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) began improvements to the intersection of Green Bay Rd. (IL 131) and Kenosha Rd., in Beach Park, will require intermittent, daily lane closures, lane shifts and width restrictions.
The work zone will be along Green Bay Rd. from north of Kenosha Rd. to Clarendon Rd. The work is expected to be complete by Nov. 2020.Learn more
Low-Income Drivers Get Back on the Road
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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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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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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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Update: Recreational Cannabis Model Ordinance Task Force
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker signed into law the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act legalizing the production, sale and adult use of recreational cannabis in Illinois effective January 1, 2020. Local governments across the state and in Lake County are currently evaluating how they will regulate and/or restrict recreational cannabis businesses through zoning (to the extent permitted by law) in terms of location, operations, parking, security, distances to sensitive land uses and other considerations.
The Lake County Planning, Building & Development Department is currently leading a Recreational Cannabis Regulatory Task Force with participation from a majority of Lake County municipalities and community organizations. The goal of this Task Force is to jointly develop regulatory options (from jurisdictional bans to allowing subjecting to restrictions) to address commercial cannabis in our respective jurisdictions. At the Task Force’s first meeting, the group discussed a number of topics, including health, law enforcement, revenue implications and the new law’s parameters for local government regulation.
As the task force meetings conclude, Lake County will continue its study of the issue, develop its own regulatory strategy (taking into account the Task Force’s model options) and encourage residents to provide input. Updates will be provided as the Task Force continues to meet and when the public meetings are scheduled.
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
New State Law: County Boards Now Able to Remove Board Chair
Under a new state law signed by Governor J.B. Pritzker on Aug. 23, county boards that are empowered to choose their county chair now have the legal ability to remove the board chair. The specific provision contained in the law, Senate Bill 1236, was drafted at the behest of Lake County.
The new law amends the Illinois Local Government Officer Compensation Act and Counties Code, and establishes a specific process whereby a county board chair who is chosen by the board, which is the case in Lake County, can be removed if at least four-fifths of board members vote in favor of removal. Read more
Protect Your Home: Get Floodproofing Tips
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
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September 17, 10 a.m. - Noon
Warren-Newport Public Library, Meeting Room A/B
Become a Mental Health First Aid Instructor
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The Lake County Health Department is offering free training to qualified individuals interested in becoming Mental Health
First Aid instructors. The training, which normally costs $2,000
per person, will be held Oct. 28 to Nov. 1, 2019 in Waukegan.
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Applicants accepted into the program must agree to teach three 8-hour Mental Health First Aid classes in 2020. Trainees will learn how to teach the Adult Mental Health First Aid course, including the five-step action plan, evidence-supported treatment, and self-help strategies. Application deadline is Sept. 27, 2019. Learn more and apply
Get Paid to be an Election Worker
The Lake County Clerk’s office needs approximately 2,000 election workers to staff election day voting sites for the March 17, 2020 General Primary. Election workers are vital to ensuring the proper, lawful conduct of the election. Pay is based on Election Day assignment. English/Spanish speaking applicants are encouraged. Required training is free and begins in November 2019.
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To apply or get more information, contact the Lake County Clerk’s Election Judge Department:
Job News
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Summer Youth Employment Program A Great Success
More than 215 youth gained meaningful work experience this summer through the Summer Youth Employment Program. The program, funded by the Lake County Board, often represents the first job for those who participate. Read stories about some of the students who were in the program this year.
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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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Waukegan Savanna Dog Park
The Waukegan Savanna Dog Park in Wadsworth is scheduled to open Sept. 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 new dog park joins four other parks operated by the Lake County Forest Preserves.
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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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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:
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#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. Learn more
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Securing Your Identity
Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim, First Midwest Bank and Restoration America have partnered to offer residents a free Financial Literary course. Learn how to secure your identity on Saturday, Oct 5. From 10 a.m. to noon at the University Center, 1200 University Center Dr., Grayslake. For more information or to enroll, call Anton Mathews at (847) 377-2043 or email AMathews@lakecountyil.gov.
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Lake County Vehicle and Equipment Auction
Cars, trucks, landscape equipment and other surplus items from municipalities and government agencies will be up for sale at the Lake County Municipal Auction conducted by Obenauf Auction Service, Inc. View the list of items that will be auctioned.
Inspection and Registration: Friday, Sept. 27, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 28, 8 a.m.
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Auction: Saturday, Sept. 28, 9 a.m.
Where: Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E. Peterson Rd., Grayslake
Free Yoga
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, Sept. 17, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Village Hall, 11270 W. Wadsworth Road, Beach Park. For more information
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