June 26, 2020
Neighbors,
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I hope this message finds you all well.
As you may be aware, we have been working on allocating millions of dollars in relief to our residents and businesses through the Federal Cares Relief grant we received from the Federal Government.
In total, we received $121.5 Million from the Federal Government. So far, we have allocated $19 Million to address individual and business support.
We will also be providing some money directly to municipalities and fire districts to help them offset their COVID-19 related expenses as well, as many of them have been hit hard, financially. I believe we are all partners in this and any help we are able to provide to our community partners helps all of us.
We hope to have an application ready this week for rental and utility support for residents, and we will open our small business grant applications starting July 7th.
If you own a small business and are in need of financial support, you can go to www.LakeCountyIL.gov/forward beginning at 8AM on July 7th to apply for the County grant. Applications will only be accepted for 2 weeks, so please waste no time in submitting your application. I want to see as many businesses as possible in our District get this needed help.
Here are the requirements for the grant:
- For profit, incorporated business (e.g., LLC, S Corp, Partnership, Sole Proprietorship, etc.) - Independent contractors are currently not eligible
- In business prior to February 15, 2020
- Earn less than $2.5 million in annual revenue
- Must be able to document a significant negative business impact from COVID-19
- Preference will be given to businesses that have not received Federal Assistance (i.e., Paycheck Protection Program or Economic Injury Disaster Loan)
As soon as I have the application for the residential grants, I will be sending out a separate communication.
As always, thank you for your trust and opportunity to serve you!
Dick Barr
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Report A Concern/Issue
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Have an issue you'd like to report? (Lost/Found Pets, Environmental concern, junk and debris, potholes, tall grass/weeds, water service interruptions, crime tips, drainage issues, etc.)
We've developed a convenient and easy way for you to report any issue through our online reporting tool, which will automatically route your concern to the pertinent County Department, as well as allows us to track and study areas of greatest concerns for future improvements.
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Property Tax Distribution
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Find out which taxing bodies get your Property Tax Dollars on your Property Tax Bill. Click here |
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Property Tax Information
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Learn all about your property taxes; how to file for exemptions, contact your Assessor's office, where your property taxes go, understanding your property tax bill, when not to file an appeal and much more. Click Here |
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Lake County Government News
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Senior Freeze and Other Property Tax Exemptions Will Be Automatically Renewed This Year Due to COVID-19 Pandemic
Lake County residents who in 2019 applied for and received the Senior Citizen Freeze Homestead Exemption, the Homestead Exemption for Persons with Disabilities, and the Standard Homestead Exemption for Veterans With Disabilities will not be required to re-apply for those exemptions in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as long as the following criteria are met:
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The owner of record of the property as of January 1, 2020 is the same as the owner of record of the property as of January 1, 2019;
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The exemption for the 2019 taxable year has not been determined to be an erroneous exemption; and
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The applicant for the 2019 taxable year has not asked for the exemption to be removed for the 2019 or 2020 taxable years.
Lake County property owners who did not apply for and/or were not found eligible for the exemptions in 2019 but believe they are eligible to receive them for the 2020 tax year may still apply.
Lake County Liquor Commission Approves Temporary Outdoor Liquor Sales
The Lake County Liquor Commission has approved Class A and E bar and restaurant license-holders in Lake County unincorporated areas to temporarily serve liquor to patrons outside, on premises, while adhering to Illinois guidelines.
License-holders who were not previously authorized to serve liquor outside and would like to do so are asked to send a photo of the proposed set up to the Lake County Liquor Commission via email to countyboard@lakecountyil.gov, or via mail to the Lake County Liquor Commission, 18 N. County St, 10th Floor, Waukegan, IL 60187.
New Location for Waukegan Testing Site; Drive Through or Walk In
The COVID-19 drive-through testing site in Waukegan has opened in a new location at 102 W. Water Street, and is now open to walk-in customers as well as those in vehicles. Testing is available seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., or until the daily capacity of 750 tests is reached.
The previous site at Northwestern Avenue
in Waukegan is no longer being used for Photo courtesy: City of Waukegan
COVID-19 testing and has reverted back
to an Illinois Vehicle Emissions Testing
Program site.
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Things to know before you go:
- Testing is free of charge, and available to anyone with or without symptoms.
- No appointment, insurance, or physician referral is needed.
- Photo identification is required.
- Anyone in the vehicle who wants a test must be seated at a functioning window.
- Once you enter the line in your vehicle, you will not be permitted to exit your car.
- Walkers should enter off of Genesee Street and follow the line marked by orange cones. The Illinois National Guard will guide walkers.
State health officials are urging everyone who has attended recent protests to be tested for COVID-19 five to seven days after the protest even if they do not have symptoms, or sooner if symptoms develop. For more information visit Lake County/COVID-19 Testing
Lake County Recovery Programs Coming Soon
Relief for Residents
The Lake County Financial and Administrative Special Committee on COVID-19 Recovery met on June 19 and June 26 to discuss the distribution of $121.5 million in federal relief funds. Some of the funds are being allocated for assistance with rent, utility bills and food needs throughout the county.
Residents may soon apply for assistance through local social service organizations and townships. Information is subject to change and additional information will be shared soon on how and where to apply.
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Relief for Businesses
The Committee also further discussed guidelines and the mechanics for two other programs: $10 million for small business assistance and $10 million for municipalities and fire protection districts.
Lake County Government is working with Lake County Partners to streamline the management and disbursement of $10 million in program funds to local businesses. Application details are being finalized and will be available soon.
The $10 million for municipality and fire protection districts will be appropriated for the reimbursement of eligible COVID-19 expenses.
$19 Million Committed to COVID-19 Recovery Among Several Measures Approved by County Board
At its June 9 meeting, the Lake County Board passed measures to aid COVID-19 recovery efforts, potentially consolidate Lake County government services, and promote diversity and inclusion in the Lake County Government's workforce. These include:
- A resolution authorizing an emergency appropriation of CARES Act Coronavirus Relief funds in the amount of $19 million for rental, utility, food and small business assistance as well as reimbursements of County-incurred COVID-19 expenses. More information on how to apply for relief funds will be available soon to residents. Read the resolution and the emergency appropriation-CARES Act Funding.
- A resolution adding a binding question on the November 2020 ballot about consolidating the Lake County Recorder of Deeds Office into the Lake County Clerk's Office. Read the resolution
- A resolution adding a Lake County Government employee diversity and inclusion policy. Read the resolution
- The Board also approved $600,000 in grants for Lake County social service organizations, funded by video gaming revenue. A list of organizations receiving the funding can be found using this link.
Watch the discussion and read the agenda
New Law Could Provide Significant State Funding to Reduce Flooding and Traffic Congestion
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Governor J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois General Assembly recently approved a new law as part of the state's proposed 2021 fiscal year budget package that could bring millions of dollars to Lake County for projects that will reduce flooding, improve roads, ease traffic congestion, and improve homeless service facilities.
Public Act (PA) 101-0638 includes more than $195 million for critical infrastructure projects in Lake County and puts Lake County on track to begin the discussion of how and when these projects will be implemented. Read more
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Temporary Open Burning Ban in Unincorporated Lake County Extended to July 15
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The Lake County Board has extended an emergency ordinance that temporarily bans open burning in unincorporated Lake County. Originally scheduled to end on June 10, the ordinance is now set to expire on July 15. During this time, open burning is prohibited in unincorporated areas of Lake County.
The ban was enacted because people who contract COVID-19 are more likely to develop more severe symptoms and/or serious complications if they are exposed to smoke from open burning. Recreational
fires that are no larger than 3’ x 3’ x 3’ used for warming, cooking, and other recreational purposes are not included in this ban.
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For more information about the temporary ban and alternatives to burning yard waste, please visit lakecountyil.gov/openburning.
Scheduled to Appear in Court? Attend Via Zoom!
All 19th Judicial Circuit Court calls as of June 1 are now being conducted remotely over Zoom. Whether you are expected to appear in family, civil, small claims, or criminal courts or for orders of protection, remote hearings are available, and there is no need to come to the courthouse in person. |
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If you do not have access to a phone or the internet, Zoom stations have been set up in the William D. Block Law Library in the courthouse at 18 N. County Street in Waukegan for you to use and to join your remote hearing. Click here to view a video that has step-by-step instructions. Learn more
Lake County Parking Garage Closing for Rehabilitation
Lake County will temporarily close its 508-space public and employee parking garage located at 18 N. County Street in Waukegan for four months beginning Monday, July 13 for scheduled repairs.
Those visiting the courthouse are encouraged to park in the City of Waukegan lot at Clayton and County Street or view this map for additional parking lot locations. Learn more
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Marriages and Civil Unions to Resume
In light of the coronavirus pandemic, and in order to protect the health and safety of the general public, judges, and court employees, marriages and civil unions were suspended on March 17. The Nineteenth Judicial Circuit is now officiating weddings and civil unions, virtually for active-duty members of the military and couples where at least one participant is a Lake County resident. Read more |
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Lake County COVID-19 Update
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What to Expect During COVID-19 Testing
Are you curious about what a drive-thru COVID-19 test is like? Watch this video for a step by step, first-person view. The Waukegan drive-thru test site at 102 W. Water Street is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Anyone can get tested, regardless of symptoms or other criteria. No appointment, doctor referral, or insurance is needed, and testing is free. Read more
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Health Department Expands COVID-19 Testing in Long-Term Care Facilities
Health Department staff have been working very hard to protect residents and staff of long-term care facilities in Lake County. On June 1, the Health Department started a new testing program to help these facilities identify active COVID-19 infections, prevent further spread of the virus, and collect baseline data to help in ongoing testing plans.
Read more
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Beware of Contact Tracing Scams
Lake County officials are warning residents of contact tracing scams where criminals pretend to be contact tracers to steal vital information like Social Security numbers and banking information over the phone, via email, and text message. At least one Lake County resident has claimed to have given vital information such as their Social Security number during what they thought was a contact tracing call.
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The Lake County Health Department reminds all residents that a contact tracer will NEVER:
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Ask for your Social Security number;
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Ask for money, bank account or credit card numbers, or any other form of payment;
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Ask for your immigration status; or
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Threaten consequences of not participating or answering questions.
If you receive a suspicious call, text message, or email about contact tracing or exposure to COVID-19, you may call the Health Department’s Communicable Disease program at (847) 377-8130. Staff can help verify if you have been contacted by the Health Department. Read more
Get Help
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Utility Bill Payment Assistance
The ComEd CARE Program continues to offer a range of financial assistance options during the COVID-19 national emergency. ComEd is suspending service disconnections for customers who cannot pay and waiving new late payment charges through at least July 1. Learn more |
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Lake County residents who need utility bill assistance may also reach out to the
Community Action Partnership of Lake County at 847-249-4330.
State Resources Available for Illinois Families
The Pritzker Administration, in partnership with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, has launched a new initiative to help Illinois families access and afford home energy assistance and other essential services during COVID-19. Families seeking emergency assistance to cover costs of utility bills, rent, temporary shelter, food and other household necessities may visit www.helpillinoisfamilies.com for program details and how to apply. Read more
Federal Paycheck Protection Program
The Federal Paycheck Protection Program is still available from the Small Business Administration , providing forgivable loans for businesses to pay up to eight weeks of payroll costs, including benefits. Funds can also be used to pay interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities. Apply by June 30. Learn more
The Immigrant Family Support Project
The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) is dedicating $2 million in pandemic-related emergency assistance funding to Illinois immigrants - regardless of immigration status - who are facing unemployment, loss of income, medical costs, and food and housing insecurity as a direct result of COVID-19 and are ineligible for any federal funding relief. Learn more at this link, or call the COVID-19 Immigrant Family Support Hotline 855-437-7669.
Employment Resources
Are you looking for a job during this challenging time of layoffs, furloughs, and hiring freezes?
- The Job Center of Lake County provides vital resources to help you, including a Resource Library,
Virtual Information Sessions, and a Job Opportunities page.
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Attend a virtual Healthcare Training Information Session on Wednesday, July 1 at 1 p.m. to learn about options to begin or advance your healthcare career. Register now
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Get Hired Illinois is a single portal where individuals can access virtual job fairs, free online training, and current job listings. Learn more
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Call 211 to Get Connected to the Help You Need
If you need assistance finding food, shelter, rent or utility assistance, or other essential services, call 211 or TEXT your zip code to 898211 to speak with someone who can help 24/7. To receive general COVID-19 information via text message, text “COVID19” to 211211. For more information, visit www.211lakecounty.org. |
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How to Help
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Census 2020 Follow-Up Calls Are Underway
Census workers occasionally follow up with households over the phone to ask questions about their responses to the 2020 Census. The Census Bureau’s goal is to ensure a complete and accurate count and that no person is left out of the census or counted in more than one place. |
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By law, all responses to the 2020 Census are kept confidential. If you receive a call, the caller will only review the responses that you previously provided. They will not ask about your financial information or Social Security number. If you receive a call asking about this information, do not provide it and report the call to the Census Bureau. Learn more
If you have not already done so, there is still time to respond to the 2020 Census. Your participation is vital to ensuring that Lake County gets adequate funding to support healthcare, schools, public transportation, roads and more. Fill out your form now at mycensus2020.gov, or call 844-330-2020. While the census self-response date has been extended to Oct. 31, don’t delay and respond today!
For a list of ways you can help your community, visit Lake County/Covid-19/ How to Help
What Happened in Committees
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During the Lake County Special Call Meeting on June 26, the Lake County Board extended the county's emergency declaration, approved an agreement for the Small Business Recovery Program, and passed a resolution to raise the LGBTQ Pride flag. Watch the video and read the agenda
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Watch All County Board Meetings
All Lake County board and committee meetings are continuing to be conducted remotely. Meetings are live-streamed at lakecounty.tv, and on cable television (Comcast channels 18 or 30, depending on where you live, and AT&T U-Verse Channel 99). To see a current schedule of board and committee meetings, and to find links of recordings of past meetings, click here.
Public comments will be accepted by email and phone call only. Learn more
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Transportation News
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Lake County Fleet Recognized as Top 100 in North America
Lake County was recently recognized as having one of the 2020 Top 100 Best Fleets in the Americas by the National Association of Fleet Administrators (NAFA).
The 100 Best Fleets in the Americas program recognizes fleet operations that have high levels of performance improvement and innovation within the public fleet industry.
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Some of the initiatives that demonstrated Lake County Division of Transportation’s (LCDOT) effectiveness are the installation of idle-reduction software that lowers a vehicles RPMs when it’s stationary and adding 14 low emission vehicles to its fleet in 2020, leading to an approximately 72 percent reduction in tailpipe emissions. Learn more
Road Construction Season is in Full Swing!
Several Lake County Division of Transportation road projects are well underway. See the county roads that will be under construction this year and view the latest project updates by using our interactive construction map. |
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Stormwater Management Commission News
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Chemicals in Pavement Sealants Can Cause Environmental Harm
Summer is here! For some residents and businesses, the nice weather is a chance to perform maintenance on driveways, parking lots and playgrounds by using sealants to protect and enhance the appearance of the underlying asphalt. While this is a common practice, coal-tar sealants contain Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), a class of chemicals that harm humans and aquatic life. |
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Stormwater runoff carries these chemicals into waterways, and the particles caused by normal wear and tear can be tracked into homes. PAHs in asphalt-based sealants are 1,000 times lower than in coal-tar sealants. This summer, consider choosing contractors that only use asphalt-based sealants on driveways, parking lots and playgrounds. Learn more.
Health Department News
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Ethylene Oxide Air Monitoring Program Concludes
The Lake County Health Department, Village of Gurnee, and City of Waukegan have received the final set of results from the last phase of outdoor air monitoring for ethylene oxide (EtO) near Vantage Specialty Chemicals in Gurnee and Medline Industries in Waukegan.
The third phase of outdoor air monitoring in Lake County began April 4, 2020. Samples were collected from 12 sites every third day during a 30-day period, which ended on May 2, 2020. The three phases of air monitoring were conducted over 120 days, with samples collected on 54 separate days between June of 2019 and May of 2020. A total of 606 samples were collected throughout the program, with an additional 54 samples collected by Medline and Vantage.
The results are available on the Health Department’s website, www.lakecountyil.gov/eto.
Learn more
Mosquitoes Test Positive for West Nile Virus in Lake County
A mosquito “pool” or batch of mosquitoes sampled on June 4 in Hawthorn Woods has tested positive for the West Nile virus, the Lake County Health Department reported. This mosquito pool is the first confirmed indicator of West Nile virus presence in Lake County in 2020.
Help ‘Fight the Bite’ from mosquitoes and protect yourself and your family by practicing the “4 Ds of Defense.” Learn more
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Mental Health First Aid Classes
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person Mental Health First Aid classes have been suspended in Lake County and across the nation. The National Council has announced plans to offer Mental Health First Aid classes virtually. The new virtual classes will include a two-hour self-paced course followed by four hours of instructor-led training. The new online course is based on new curricula, including expanded content on trauma, addiction, and self-care. The Health Department will provide additional updates about class availability as they become available on its website, mentalhealth.today.
Pet Vaccination Clinics
All dogs and cats in Lake County are required to be registered and vaccinated against rabies. Due to the pandemic, all low-cost pet vaccination clinics have been cancelled until further notice. Residents are encouraged to contact their normal veterinarian for routine pet health care and to stay up-to-date on your pets’ vaccinations. On a limited basis and by appointment only, Lake County residents can receive low-cost rabies and distemper vaccinations at Lake County Animal Care and Control. For more information, visit Lake County/Pet clinics or call 847-377-4700 to schedule an appointment. |
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Lake County Public Works
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2020 Water Quality Reports Available
Lake County Public Works is committed to providing safe water throughout the county. As strong supporters of the Safe Drinking Water Act, Public Works releases annual water quality Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs) for the 12 water systems it owns and operates. These reports describe the sources, treatment, and chemical analysis of each water distribution system. All Lake County systems passed testing requirements for the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. Visit the water quality reports webpage to read your report.
Forest Preserve News
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Dog Parks Open
#LoveYourPreserves
In the middle of this pandemic, the Lake County Forest Preserves offer hundreds of miles of trails to support our physical health, and beautiful views and vast open spaces to restore our mental health. As one user posted on Facebook: “Thank you for staying open. It has been our moment of Zen to hike the trails.” Since mid-March, more people are loving the forest preserves than ever. Visitation in May was 18% greater than the busiest summer weekend in any of the previous four years. Daily average visitation in April was 60% greater than the busiest summer weekend in any of the previous four years. Visit LCFPD.org/preserves/ to navigate your next adventure. |
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How to Grow a Modern Victory Garden
Do you have a garden at home? Whether you plant in the ground or in pots, growing food at home can be done in ways that are healthy for you and the planet. Learn how to start your own home garden by checking out this recorded webinar presented by Dunn Museum Educator Nicole Stocker in partnership with the Vernon Area Public Library. Home vegetable gardens are on the rise as families enjoy the idea of growing their own fresh food. Watch video »
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Route 45 Trail Connection Opens
The Lake County Forest Preserves announced the opening of a new community trail connection resulting from a successful partnership with the Village of Gurnee to provide safe and direct access to neighboring forest preserves and trails. This 0.4-mile crushed gravel trail links the Village's existing bike path and several large residential areas to Rollins Savanna Forest Preserve and to the Millennium Trail and Greenway. Learn more » |
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Community Events and News
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$75K Grant Funds 24 Healthcare Scholarships at CLC
Thanks to a recurring $75,000 grant from the Healthcare Foundation of Northern Lake County (HFNLC), more College of Lake County (CLC) students can complete their healthcare degree for free. |
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Scholarships Promoting Lake County Affordable and Sustainable Healthcare (SPLASH) funds the journey of 24 students in the Biological and Health
Sciences Division, making it possible for scholarship recipients to work less and study more while in school. Read more
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