October 27, 2021
Dear Neighbors,
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As I look out my window today, I see that the maples are turning red -- the grand finale of fall.
The past few weeks have been busy on the Lake County Board, as we look to set the budgets for all the county departments for 2022. The board intends to hold the property tax levy flat for homeowners this year, which could result in a small decline in the county portion of your property tax rate next year. Fiscal responsibility is respectful to our community and crucial to the efficient functioning of our county government.
I’ve been delighted to attend some local events this past few weeks. I was delighted to attend (virtually) A Safe Place’s annual Unmask the Violence Gala. A Safe Place is the leading advocate for eliminating domestic violence & human trafficking in northern Illinois. Their goal is to end the cycle of violence, creating safe and healthy communities. To learn more about this vital organization, click here.
I’ve had the pleasure of spreading the word at two of our community’s retirement communities about our county’s upcoming Ride Lake County Paratransit program, set to launch in 2022. Ride Lake County will provide a seamless, low-cost transportation service to individuals aged 60+ and those with disabilities throughout Lake County. For more info on this program, click here.
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Special thanks to Sunrise Senior Center and Gurnee Place for having me! Mayor Tom Hood and Vice Mayor Quin O’Brien gave a Village of Gurnee update, and Officer Hansen gave an informative talk about safety. |
I was delighted to join many of our local elected officials at the grand opening of Raising Cane’s Restaurant in Gurnee. It is wonderful to see evidence of our community’s continued financial recovery.
If you have an event or opening you’d like me to attend or showcase in my newsletter please email me at ccasbon@lakecountyil.gov. I will do my very best to include you.
I hope you all have a happy and safe Halloween this weekend! Please don’t forget to check community guidance on Trick or Treating times and safety protocols on your village or neighborhood websites.
Warm regards,
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Lake County Government News
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County Board To Review Proposed Fiscal Year 2022 Recommended Budget
The Lake County Board is conducting its annual hearings on the County’s proposed Fiscal Year 2022 recommended budget on Oct. 26, 27 and 28 where the board will carefully examine the proposed budget and make recommendations prior to adopting the final budget in November. This proposed $601.5 million budget incorporates the recovery of revenues back to pre-pandemic levels and reflects the County’s long-standing approach to adopting a budget in a fiscally responsible manner that is sustainable into the future.
The public is welcome to attend these meetings through Zoom and in person at the Lake County Administrative Building, 18 N. County St., 10th Floor, Waukegan.
View the proposed FY2022 budget and the meeting schedule.
View the recorded FY2022 budget hearings
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Progress Continues toward Proposed Consolidated Emergency Facility
The Lake County Board approved at its October 12 meeting to enter a contract to provide design services for the proposed Consolidated Emergency Operations, 911, and Emergency Telephone System Board Facility. The proposed location for the facility is the west side of Lake County’s Libertyville campus. The project design is scheduled to be completed the end of 2022.
Since 2018, Lake County has been working alongside numerous Lake County municipalities and agencies to explore the consolidation of 911 services with a focus on improving reliability, capability, and efficiency. Learn more.
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Factors Determined as Part of Reapportionment Process for Next County Board
The Lake County Board approved an ordinance determining numerous factors of the County Board as part of the reapportionment process. Following recommendations by the County Reapportionment Committee, the size of the Lake County Board to be elected shall be 19 members. The members shall be elected to single-member County Board districts, and the County Board Chair shall be elected by the County Board members. Also, the County Board members shall be compensated by an annual salary.
The Reapportionment Committee will continue to meet over the next several months to discuss and determine the County district maps. Learn more about the Reapportionment Committee
Update on Open Burning Restrictions in Unincorporated Lake County
At its September meeting, the Lake County Board extended the current temporary open burning ordinance that applies to unincorporated Lake County until January 1, 2022.
Throughout 2021, the Lake County Board has also been exploring options and alternatives for permanent restrictions on landscape waste open burning and consolidated waste hauling services (including landscape waste) in the unincorporated areas. Per Lake County Public Works, Planning and Transportation (PWPT) Committee direction, Lake County staff is currently working this fall on amending the current ordinance to include permanent regulations on the open burning of landscape waste and a landscape waste hauling franchise program. These items will be discussed at a PWPT meeting at a later date and will be open to the public. Learn more
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Lake County COVID-19 Update
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Free COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic Is Scheduled October 30
The State of Illinois is partnering with the Lake County Regional Office of Education (ROE) to hold a free COVID-19 vaccination clinic from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, October 30 at 500 W. Winchester Road, #202, Libertyville. The vaccine is authorized and recommended for persons ages 12 and older. Schedule your appointment
COVID-19 Helpful Links
Get Help
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Call or Text 211 to Get Connected to the Help You Need
If you need help 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. Speak to a live person in English or Spanish when you call. The 211 team will also interpret more than 150 other languages. Learn more
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Additional Resources
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Rental Assistance: Lake County’s program for renters provides needed relief to those who need help making past-due or current rent and utility payments. Learn more
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Back to Business (B2B) Grant Program: The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has set up a helpline to assist small businesses who wish to check their application status. Call 312.924.2189.
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Food for Families in Need: Northern Illinois Food Bank operates a traveling food pantry that delivers nutritious food directly to those in need and coordinates pop-up food markets across Lake County. Find food
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Help for Veterans: The Veterans Assistance Commission of Lake County can help veterans and their families with a variety of issues, including financial help, survivor spousal benefits, burial arrangements and more. Call 847-377-3344.
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Mental Health Support: The Lake County Health Department offers a free, 24/7 confidential hotline for those experiencing a mental health crisis or substance use issue. Call 847-377-8088 any time. Learn more
Employment Resources
Transportation News
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Autumn Ushers in Peak Season for Deer and Vehicle Crashes. Be Safe on Roads
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As we enjoy fall, drivers need to be more vigilant and watch for deer on the roads. Autumn coincides with deer mating season and increased deer movement, particularly at dusk and dawn. Nearly 40 percent of crashes involving deer in Illinois occur in November and December. Learn how to ensure your safety on the roads.
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Health News
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Learn Steps to Reduce Childhood Lead Poisoning in Your Home
As more families spend time at home due to COVID-19 and the change of weather, the chances of exposure to lead can increase. During National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week this week, learn how to reduce childhood lead poisoning. The first way is to remove lead hazards from the environment before a child is exposed. The second way is to get a blood lead test if a child may have been exposed to lead. Learn more
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Property News
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Sign Up for Property Check
The Recorder of Deeds Office is doing more to protect residents from potential property and mortgage fraud by providing Property Check. Property Check is a free, easy-to-use, 24/7 online service that will alert subscribers, via email or text message, whenever a document is recorded against their name and/or property. To address this concern, register today.
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Nationwide Natural Gas Price Spike Expected To Mean Higher Heating Bills
North Shore Gas is letting customers know heating bills will likely rise as the temperatures fall due to a nationwide spike in natural gas prices. The price of natural gas has more than doubled this year and currently sits at the highest level in a decade. The increase is due mainly to tight supplies and a worldwide increase in demand for natural gas. Read the news release to learn more.
To help customers in the greatest need, bill payment assistance is available through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which helps eligible customers with a one-time payment toward energy bills. To learn eligibility and apply, call the Community Action Partnership of Lake County at 847.249.4330, or go to caplakecounty.org.
Forest Preserves News
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Ansel Adams Exhibition Opening November 6
A nationally acclaimed exhibition, “Ansel Adams: Early Works,” is running at the Dunn Museum in Libertyville from November 6, 2021 through March 27, 2022.
Ansel Adams (1902–1984) was a giant in the field of landscape photography. One of the most influential photographers of his generation, Adams is famous for his dramatic photographs of the American West. His images were informed by his belief in the transcendental concept of the “sublime”—a complex combination of overwhelming awe and fear. Learn more »
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Buffalo Creek Earns Award
The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning honored the Lake County Forest Preserves through its recent Regional Excellence Awards program during its inaugural State of the Region event.
The Lake County Forest Preserves received the Regional Resilience Award for its collaborative work on a $9.7 million project to expand the Buffalo Creek Reservoir and increase the region’s resiliency against flooding. The project expanded the capacity of wetland terraces, improved erosion control and added recreational amenities for users. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers estimated the project will reduce future flood damages by more than $26 million. Learn more »
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2022 Budget Approved
In order to continue moving toward the 100-Year Vision and Strategic Plan to preserve and sustain Lake County's natural landscape and extend community outreach and education, the Lake County Forest Preserve Board of Commissioners approved the fiscal year 2022 budget of $63,617,824 at its October 12 meeting.
The 2022 budget represents a decrease of $22,164,404 (25.8%) over the current year budget. It covers expenditures for the period from January 1 through December 31, 2022. Learn more »
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Community Events and News
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Check Your Village’s Trick-or-Treat Schedule
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It’s that time of year when youngsters go door-to-door in the neighborhood and demand people to smell their feet and provide their taste buds with some nourishing sugar treats. View your village’s trick-or-treat hours.
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Watch All County Board and Committee Meetings
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All Lake County board and committee meetings can be viewed on lakecounty.tv and on cable television (Comcast channels 18 or 30, depending on where you live, and AT&T U-Verse Channel 99). The public also is welcome to attend all meetings in person at the Lake County Administrative Tower, 18 N. County Street, Waukegan or may attend meetings remotely using the registration link on the front page of each meeting’s agenda. |
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Individuals attending meetings in person or remotely may present their public comments during the meeting. Those not in attendance may provide written public comment via email or by mail. View the current meeting schedule.
All meetings are recorded and are posted on the Lake County website. Here are links to the most recent board and committee meetings, including the video recordings and agendas:
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