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Dear Neighbors, |
As we turn the corner and dash toward the end of the year, there is much going on in our county that I would like to update you on this week.
To start, the County Board is in the process of a once-in-a-decade reapportionment process (similar to the federal and state government). The current board is made up of 21 districts. Our Board approved a resolution in October to reduce the size of the board down to 19 districts, which will factor into the process as the district boundaries are redrawn. I supported this reduction and believe it can support a more efficient government.
Last week, we approved the Fiscal Year 2022 budget and property tax levy. For the fourth consecutive budget, the Lake County Board placed a high priority on holding the line on property tax revenues. Most property taxpayers in Lake County will see a small decrease or no change on the Lake County portion of their tax bills. Though the county portion is only 6-7% of your bill, I was proud to do our part, while maintaining our approach to adopting a balanced, fiscally responsible budget.
As part of this budget I was excited to support funding for a sustainability staff member after holding this position for the past two years. We're laser focused on increasing our green energy use, reducing waste, creating business incentives (at no cost to taxpayers) to invest in their energy infrastructure, and finding ways to reduce single-use plastics. Climate change is the single most important issue we face, and we must do our part at every level of government.
I have received inquires regarding availability of COVD-19 vaccinations for children ages 5 to 11. The Health Department has begun to offer pediatric COVID-19 vaccinations. Register in AllVax to find out when you can schedule an appointment for your child at one of the Health Department centers in Waukegan or Round Lake Beach. Additionally, there are over 200 locations in Lake County offering pediatric vaccinations.
As Lake County joined the nation to recognize Veterans Day last week, I would like to take a moment to honor our veterans for their service to our country. If you are a veteran or know a veteran in need of services, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Lake County Veterans Assistance Commission. You can visit their website or call at (847) 377-3344.
Paras Parekh
Lake County Board District 12
Paras Parekh Webpage
Lake County Government News
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Lake County Board Adopts Balanced Fiscal Year 2022 Budget
The Lake County Board approved a balanced Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Budget at its Nov. 9 meeting. The $602.8 million budget reflects the recovery of revenues back to pre-pandemic levels, and the budget reflects the County’s long-standing approach to adopting a fiscally responsible budget.
The Board chose to increase the levy to account for new property growth - that is growth for properties that have been developed in the last year - in Lake County in this year’s budget, but did not increase the levy up to the amount of the allowable federal Consumer Price Index. Individual tax bills may vary depending on how a property’s assessed value has changed and depending on the actions of other local government taxing bodies, but the Lake County portion of the tax bill for the average homeowner is expected to be flat or go down slightly. Learn more
Update on Consolidated Waste Hauling in Unincorporated Lake County
The Lake County Board will continue discussing permanent open burning restrictions for the unincorporated areas in the coming months. As part of that discussion, the County Board will also consider executing waste hauler agreements to provide consolidated waste hauling services for certain townships in unincorporated Lake County.
Learn more
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County Seeks to Eliminate Barriers to Appear in Court
Lake County seeks to understand the barriers people face to appear in court and is asking individuals to participate in an interview. Working with the County, Justice System Partners will conduct interviews with anyone age 18 and older who has previous court experience and had trouble getting to court as scheduled.
Participation in an interview and answers will remain confidential and will not be shared with anyone outside the research team. Interviews will be conducted through December. Participants must speak English or Spanish and can receive a phone call. Learn more
Lake County COVID-19 Update
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COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Expands to Children 5 to 11 Years Old
The Emergency Use Authorization for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine was expanded to include children ages 5 to 11. The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is authorized for children and adolescents ages 5 and up as a two-dose series administered three weeks apart. The dose for children ages 5 to 11 is one-third of the dosage of the vaccine for older adolescents and adults.
The Health Department has begun offering pediatric COVID-19 vaccinations, but appointments will be limited. Register in AllVax to find out when you can schedule an appointment for your child at one of the Health Department centers in Waukegan or Round Lake Beach. There are over 200 locations in Lake County that you may also schedule an appointment. Learn more
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COVID-19 Helpful Links
Get Help
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Call 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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Employment Resources
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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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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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. Learn more
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Transportation News
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Join Virtual Meeting on Deep Lake Road Improvements
The public is invited to attend a virtual information meeting at 5 p.m. Nov. 17 to discuss the Phase 1 engineering study of Deep Lake Road from Illinois 173 to the Wisconsin state line in the Village of Antioch and unincorporated Lake County. Presented by the Lake County Division of Transportation, the meeting will include information on the preferred alternative, project schedule and an opportunity to provide input. Registration is required.
Register here
View the project website
Veterans News
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Lake County Recognizes Its Veterans
Lake County joins the nation to thank the men and women for their dedication, sacrifice and commitment to serve our country. To recognize their service, Lake County supports our veterans and their families by providing services and assistance through many of our offices and departments. Read this veterans brochure to learn about all the services the County provides to assist veterans.
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Sheriff's Office News |
Welcome Ryker to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office
Meet Canine Ryker, the newest member of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Ryker is a two-year-old German Shepherd who will be assigned to Deputy Craig Somerville.
Ryker joins sheriff’s canines Dax, Duke, Danno, and Boomer, who are deployed hundreds of times a year to look for missing endangered people, search for individuals who fled from a crime, detected drugs being trafficked, and other situations. Learn more
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Forest Preserve News
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Solar-lit Trails Open for the Season
Having a hard time getting outside in nature now that the sun sets earlier? Taking an evening hike on solar-lit trails in the forest preserves may be an option. With small solar lights to guide their way, hikers, skiers and snowshoers can get some brisk evening exercise along the 1.3-mile fitness trail at Old School Forest Preserve in Libertyville, and along a 1.65-mile hilly section of the Millennium Trail adjacent to the Winter Sports Area at Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda. Learn more »
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Art in Your Backyard
Learn about nature photographer Ansel Adams and create artwork centered around nature during a program, “Art in Your Backyard.” The program takes place from 10:30–11:30 am Tuesday, November 23, at the Dunn Museum, 1899 W. Winchester Road, Libertyville. Designed for children ages between 6 and 12, the cost is $3 for residents and $5 for nonresidents. The program includes museum admission. “Ansel Adams: Early Works” is the special exhibition taking place at the Dunn Museum through March 27. Click here to get ticket »
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Guided Hike at Grassy Lake
Community Events & News
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Discover the Top Things to Do in November
Hearty eating is in our future as we look at the top things to do in November in Lake County. So as we head into our most thankful month, check out Visit Lake County’s list of top 10 things to do in November.
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Check Out This Year’s Lake County Film Festival
Join the 11th Lake County Film Festival, which will feature online viewings from Nov. 18 to 29. Films will be featured at the College of Lake County campuses in Grayslake and Waukegan and Three Brothers Theatre in Waukegan. Learn more
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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.
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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