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November 21, 2019
 
County News
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Ela and Vernon Townships Property Assessment Appeal Deadline Approaching
Ela and Vernon Townships property assessment notices have been mailed. The deadline for filing a property assessment appeal for these townships is Dec. 9. The assessment appeal process is different than other townships in Lake County because they have opted to use a different software system.
This decision to move to a separate system impacts how taxpayers review and appeal their assessments. View the instructions for filing an appeal in Ela and Vernon Townships.
Visit or call the Chief County Assessment Office
Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Address: 18 N. County St., Waukegan
Phone: 847-377-2050
Visit or call the Ela Township Office
Monday to Thursday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Address: 1155 E. Route 22, Lake Zurich
Phone: 847-438-8370
Visit or call the Vernon Township Office
Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Address: 3050 N Main Street, Buffalo Grove
Phone: 847-634-4602
Lake County Board Approves Balanced Budget With No Increase in Tax Levy
At its Nov. 12 meeting, the Lake County Board unanimously approved a $573.2 million balanced budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2020. Under the budget, Lake County's tax levy will be flat, which means that there will be no increase in the dollar amount between the FY2020 property tax levy and the FY2019 property tax levy. |
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As a result, homeowners will see a slight reduction next year in the Lake County government portion of their property tax bill. This is the first time in at least 20 years that the County has had a flat tax levy.
Under Illinois law, the Board could have chosen to raise the 2019 levy of $162.6 million to account for new property growth in Lake County, and to increase the levy up to the amount of the federal Consumer Price Index, but it chose to do neither in order to ease the burden on Lake County property owners.
Read more
Watch the budget presentation
Lake County is Once Again Recognized for Excellent Budget Practices
Lake County has once again received the “Distinguished Budget Presentation Award” from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), a national organization dedicated to advancing excellence in government finance. Lake County has earned this award for at least 10 consecutive years, reflecting its commitment to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting. In order to receive this honor, Lake County had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation. Read more
Regulatory Options for Recreational Cannabis Discussed at Recent Meeting
The recreational use of cannabis in Illinois will become legal effective Jan. 1, 2020. Under the law, jurisdictions in Illinois may establish regulations on the production and sale of cannabis within their boundaries. To prepare, the Lake County Planning, Building & Development Department (PBD) recently led a Recreational Cannabis Regulatory Task Force comprised of representatives from a majority of Lake County municipalities and various community organizations. The Task Force developed regulatory options for local governments to consider, including model bans on commercial cannabis businesses and model regulations permitting them with certain restrictions.
The Lake County PBD staff presented the Task Force’s findings and models to the Lake County Board at the Committee of the Whole meeting on Friday, Nov. 8. Note that this was only a discussion on this item, and no formal action was taken at the meeting. A decision by the Board will be made at a later date. More information
Federal Transportation Funds to Benefit Lake County
Lake County residents will benefit from improved transit, roads, bridges, bicycle, and pedestrian facilities through federal funds recently approved for use by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) to support many transportation improvement projects. |
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$48.6 million to implement a grade separation where the Canadian National Railway tracks currently cross U.S. Route 14 in Barrington
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$11.7 million for LCDOT's Deerfield Road project from US45/IL 21 to Saunders Road
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$28 million to Metra for retrofitting locomotives with more fuel efficient vehicles
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$3.4 million for Lake County Forest Preserve District's Millennium Trail Underpass at US Route 45
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$13.5 million will help complete portions of the Regional Greenways and Trails Plan, which envisions a network of continuous green way and trail corridors across northeastern Illinois
2019 Housing and Community Development Grant Awards
Each year, a combination of federal and local dollars is awarded to municipalities, non-profit organizations, and other entities, which is used for housing and community development in Lake County. In 2019, the Housing and Community Development Commission (HCDC) awarded $3.7 million to 27 recipients. The grants will be put toward projects that focus on improving Lake County, making it a place where residents of all income levels have the opportunity to live, work and thrive.
Transportation News
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US 14 at Hart Road Improvement
Work to enhance safety and intersection operations in relation to the existing railroad crossing on Hart Road at US 14 in Barrington is underway. Additional turn lanes will improve traffic flow, while a sidewalk, multi-use path, and traffic and railroad signal enhancements will allow pedestrians and non-motorized traffic to safely cross US Route 14 and the railroad tracks. Preparation for construction is occurring right now, which includes tree removal along Hart Road. |
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The majority of the project is expected to be completed during the 2020 construction season, however landscaping and final project closeout may extend into spring 2021.
Visit hartandus14.com to sign up for email updates as this project progresses and find project specifics.
Environmental News
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What Can Be Recycled? Check out SWALCO’s New Guide
Confused about what you can put in your recycling bin? SWALCO is here to help. In partnership with Recycle by City, it has launched a new interactive online guide that lets you search the town you live in, learn what materials are accepted, and help you recycle correctly. Knowing what to recycle and what to put in the trash will help cut down on recycling contamination, which puts a burden on recycling plants.
“SWALCO has a responsibility to assist our residents and businesses be better recyclers, reduce contamination rates and make our recycling plants more profitable in the process,” said Walter Willis, SWALCO executive director.
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“We believe this new website content will provide recyclers with the detailed knowledge they need about what can and can’t be recycled, and in the end reduce the confusion the general public has about how to recycle in today’s more complicated packaging environment.” Learn more
Sheriff News
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Beware of Scammers Pretending to be Local Government Officials
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office and 19th Judicial Circuit are warning residents to beware of a new scam in which con artists are calling Lake County residents, and introducing themselves as a member of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.
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The scammers use an actual name of a Sheriff’s Office employee. The scammer then informs the victim that a Lake County judge (also using the name of an actual judge) has issued an arrest warrant. The caller is then instructed to purchase a “voucher” in order to avoid arrest.
Beware that neither the Sheriff’s Office nor 19th Judicial Circuit call residents and request money. If you receive a call like this, the best course of action is to hang up, block the caller’s telephone number from being able to contact you again, and file a report with your local law-enforcement agency. Read more
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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Health News
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Take the E-Cigarette and Smoke-Free Illinois Act Survey
The Health Department is asking residents to participate in the E-Cigarettes and the Smoke-Free Illinois Act Survey regarding e-cigarettes (or vapes) and their use in public places. The survey includes questions about perception of harm, flavored e-cigarette and tobacco products, and willingness to support legislation.
In 2017, the Health Department surveyed 1,306 youth and adult residents of Lake County on topics related to tobacco control. Results indicate that Lake County residents are concerned about the health effects associated with e-cigarettes, secondhand vapor, and youth access to tobacco products. In addition, 75 percent of survey respondents supported prohibiting the use of e-cigarettes indoors and in public places. The survey will remain open through Nov. 30. Take the Survey.
County Clerk’s Office News
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Sign Up to be an Election Judge
Election judge training has begun, and there's still room for you!
The Lake County Clerk’s Office has started training the election judges who will process voters in the 2020 Election Day voting sites.
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Take an active role in democracy by serving your neighbors and community. Contact the Clerk’s Election Judge Department to reserve your place in class. Phone: (847) 377-2408
State Attorney’s Office News
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Explorers Program Helps Students Learn About Careers in Criminal Justice
The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Explorers Program, offered in conjunction with the Boy Scouts of America, offers students ages 14 to 21 a chance to gain hands-on experience with careers in criminal justice.
Participants in the eight-month program meet every other Thursday evening at the Lake County Courthouse in Waukegan, and engage with professionals in the criminal justice system and perform some of the actual duties these jobs entail. The adult advisors to the program include prosecutors, defense attorneys, police officers, probation officers and judges.
For more information or to sign up for the program, contact Assistant Lake County States Attorney Fred Day at (847) 377-7819.
Forest Preserve News
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Restoration Ecologist
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Did you know Lake County farmers used drain tiles for agriculture? Our ecologists remove the tiles to restore a natural flow of water across the forest preserves. Restoration Ecologist Matt Ueltzen has mapped more than 70 miles of drain tiles; a great opportunity for future wetland restoration. This is just one of his many projects at the Lake County Forest Preserves where he has been working for about 19 years. Learn more »
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More Loan Boxes Available
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Environmental educators expanded an initiative to area teachers in providing fresh, interactive science lessons for their classrooms. Themed boxes pertaining to mammals, insects and ecosystems join the bird-themed box that debuted in the spring. The new loan boxes, that support Illinois Learning Standards, feature a strong focus on wildlife habitats in Lake County. Learn more »
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Solar-lit Trails Open
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Looking to take a nighttime walk in a Forest Preserve? Two preserves feature solar-lit trails and remain open until 9 pm, daily, from Nov. 3 through March 8. Hikers, skiers and showshoers can get some evening exercise along a 1.3-mile fitness trail at Old School Forest Preserve in Libertyville, and a 1.65-mile section of the Millennium Trail adjacent to the Winter Sports Area at Lakewood Forest Preserve. Learn more »
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Community Events and News
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Miracle on Main Street – Lake Zurich
Come to downtown Lake Zurich for Miracle on Main Street, featuring a tree lighting, sleigh rides, entertainment, crafts, food vendors and an opportunity to meet Santa, Mrs. Claus and their reindeer. Saturday, Dec. 7, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Rotary Park, 7 E. Main Street.
Learn more
Barrington’s Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting Ceremony
Join in the Holiday Festival on Saturday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Free trolley rides to all events.
Candy Cane Festival – Foundry Shopping Center, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Winter Wonderland – Ice House Mall, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Magical Reindeer Lane – The Shops on Lageschulte, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Home for the Holidays – Barrington’s White House, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Downtown Holiday Festival – Village Center, 1 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Holiday Season - Long Grove
The streets in downtown Long Grove come alive for the holidays every weekend, including free horse-drawn sleigh rides, carolers, Victorian buildings trimmed in lights, cobblestone walkways lined in luminaries, and special appearances by Santa. Every weekend beginning Saturday, Nov. 23. until Sunday, Dec. 22. Learn more
Tree Lighting and Holiday Event Guide
As the holidays approach, a great way to relax and unwind is to go to one of Lake County’s tree lightings and other special holiday events. Check out Visit Lake County’s listing of holiday events and activities to enjoy time with family and friends. Learn more
Register for Spring Semester at College of Lake County
Make 2020 the year you begin your bachelor’s degree, work toward an associate degree or certificate, start a new career or develop your talents at the College of Lake County. Spring semester classes begin Jan. 21, and registration is now open. View course offerings, both classroom-based and online.
Find classes and register, call (847) 543-2090, or stop by and inquire at -
Grayslake Campus - 19351 W. Washington Street, Grayslake
Lakeshore Campus - 33 N. Genesee Street, Waukegan
Southlake Campus - 1120 S. Milwaukee Avenue, Vernon Hills
Learn more
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Breakfast with Lake County Officials
Join me and other Lake County officials, including Sheriff John Idleburg, Treasurer Holly Kim and State’s Attorney Michael Nerheim, and get updates on property taxes, road improvements, legalized marijuana and more. Tuesday, Dec. 3, 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Columbus Centre Banquets, 365 Surryse Road, Lake Zurich.
Tickets $20 chamber members, $25 non-chamber members, includes continental breakfast. Register on-line by Nov. 26. Learn more
Bone Marrow and Blood Registry Drive – Barrington
The Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District will hold a blood and bone marrow registry drive. All donors will receive a coupon for a free pint of Culver’s custard. Saturday, Nov. 23, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., 22222 North North Pepper Road, Lake Barrington. Learn more
Holiday Craft Fair – Hawthorn Woods
Decorate your home or pick the perfect holiday gift at the Hawthorn Woods Annual Holiday Craft Fair. Saturday, Nov. 30, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Village Barn, 2 Lagoon Drive. Learn more
World AIDS Day Event on Dec. 1
The Health Department is planning a World AIDS Day event on Sunday, Dec. 1 from noon to 2 p.m. at the Family Piano Company, 118 S. Genesee Street, Waukegan. The theme of the event is “Rock the Ribbon – Communities Make the Difference.” The event is free and open to public, and will feature interactive art exhibits, a candle-lighting ceremony and information on the Illinois Getting to Zero plan. This plan aims to see zero new HIV infections in Illinois and zero people living with HIV who are not on treatment by 2030. Learn more
Surplus Vehicle & Equipment Auction
Vehicles, landscape equipment and other surplus items from municipalities and government agencies will be up for sale at an auction conducted by Obenauf Auction Service, Inc.
Pre-Auction Inspection and Registration: Friday, Dec.13, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 14 from 8 a.m.
Auction Begins: Saturday, Dec. 14 at 9 a.m.
Where: Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E. Peterson Rd., Grayslake.
Learn more
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