December 8, 2021
Dear Neighbor,
I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and are looking forward to a holiday season with family and friends this year! One of my favorite things is seeing all the beautiful lights in downtowns across Lake County. The Lake Bluff gazebo looks spectacular and I want to thank the many volunteers who are out in the cold making everything look festive!
There are many great things to report across the county, but especially at the Lake County Forest Preserves, which received an award from the Chicago Regional Tree Initiative for the Middlefork Buckthorn Eradication Initiative. We are also moving forward on the Net Zero Education Center building at Ryerson Woods, a project for which an anonymous donor gave over $2 million to bring to reality.
I am so grateful to be able to work with so many talented and dedicated individuals at the Forest Preserves and Lake County Government. They provide truly exceptional service and work behind the scenes to make Lake County a wonderful place to live. If you are interested in being a part of either organization, either as an employee or as a volunteer, here are some helpful links:
As always, it is an honor serving you on the Lake County Board and the Forest Preserves Board. Please don't hesitate to reach out to me with any questions or concerns.
Take care,
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Lake County Government News
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Lake County Board Adopts Balanced Fiscal Year 2022 Budget
Last month my colleagues and I approved a balanced Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Budget at our 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.
In last year’s budget, the County Board froze investments in capital funding and made the difficult decision to freeze employee wages due to the fiscal uncertainty of the economic recovery and lasting fiscal impacts of the pandemic. The 2022 budget resumes investing in transportation infrastructure, long-term capital needs, and we are again investing in Lake County’s people with a wage adjustment.
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. The only revenue growth in this budget is from other non-property tax revenue and realized property value growth in Lake County (ie, new commercial or residential development). Individual tax bills will always vary by assessed valuations and taxes from other governments. Learn more.
County Focuses on Immediate Needs, Long-term Investments After Pandemic
The Financial and Administrative Special Committee on COVID-19 Pandemic Recovery and Investment met on November 19 (and are scheduled to meet again on December 10) to continue the County’s efforts to address distribution of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to assist the County through the pandemic. Lake County is reviewing how to address immediate needs and looking at long-term investments such as household assistance and infrastructure. The Committee will plan further conversations to address public health, economic and business initiatives, and internal county operations. Watch the full 11/19 meeting discussion
Discussion To Continue on Open Burning, Consolidated Waste Hauling Dec. 8
The coal plant in Waukegan is slated to close in June 2022. However, in response to the Coal Ash Pollution Prevention Act, there will be two public meetings to share information and engage with the
community about proposed plans to close the Waukegan Station’s West and East Coal Ash Ponds which are located very close to Lake Michigan.
Following a presentation at the meetings, residents will have the opportunity to participate in a question-and-answer session. Spanish translation will be available. Learn more
Public meeting dates:
- Wednesday, Dec. 15, 6–8 p.m. CT
- Thursday, Dec. 16, 10 a.m.–Noon CT
How to participate:
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County Seeks to Eliminate Barriers to Appear in Court
Lake County is asking individuals to participate in an interview to better understand the barriers people face when they need to appear in court. 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
Reapportionment Plan Receives Committee Approval, Goes to Board
The Lake County Board reapportionment plan, which details the boundaries of the proposed 19 County Board districts, was approved by the Reapportionment Committee at its Nov. 30 meeting. During the meeting, the committee reviewed the public comments submitted, the proposed final map, and an ordinance that establishes the compensation for the Board.
The reapportionment plan will next be brought to the County Board for approval. State law requires the County Board approve an updated district boundary map no later than Dec. 31, 2021. View the map
Recycle Your Holiday Lights
It seems like every year in early December we take out the holiday lights and find that more than half of them are no longer working! Holiday lights cannot be recycled at curbside, and can create problems when they go through the machines. However, there are four sites in Lake County where holiday lights can be taken to be properly disposed. Wire string holiday lights and extension cords are accepted. No trees, wreaths, garlands or other holidays items are allowed.
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Winter Weather is Coming! Be Safe!
Love it or hate it, winter weather is pretty much here. Prepare for the cold weather by preparing your home and creating an emergency supply kit for your car before the snowflakes start falling and the temperatures keep dropping. Learn more
Use Lake County PASSAGE to Know Before You Go
Prepare yourself and ease your drive, whether it’s to work, shopping or that upcoming holiday gathering by knowing the road conditions before you leave home. Make Lake County PASSAGE your go-to resource before you hit the roads. See the latest road conditions.
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Lake County COVID-19 Update
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Adults Ages 18 and Older Are Eligible for COVID-19 Booster Dose
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 boosters for all adults, age 18 and older. Any adult, age 18 and older, who has received their second dose at least six months ago is eligible to get a Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 booster shot. If eligible, visit Vaccines.gov to schedule an appointment near you.
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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 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 where you may also schedule an appointment. Learn more
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Lake County Welcomes HHS Secretary To Address Behavioral Health
I was honored to welcome U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra! Secretary Becerra and Congressman Brad Schneider, who visited the Lake County Health Department to talk about the Health Department's behavioral health programs, mental health initiatives, and the importance of reducing stigma.
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Signing the Beam at North Chicago's new Neal Math & Science Academy
The new North Chicago Neal Math and Science Academy is going up quickly and I was truly humbled to be a part of the celebration. Abbvie's tremendous gift to build a new school gives the children of North Chicago an incredible learning environment where they can excel and grow. The building is scheduled to be open for students for the 2022-2023 school year. I'm so grateful to the talented workers who are working hard every day to get the project completed on time.
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Lake County Recognizes Its Veterans
Lake County joined the nation on Veterans Day to thank the men and women for their dedication, sacrifice and commitment to serve our country. Lake County supports our veterans and their families by providing services and assistance through many of our offices and departments. Read this veteran brochure to learn about all the services the County provides to assist veterans. I was proud to participate in the celebration to unveil the new Veterans Memorial at Waukegan National Airport with honored guest and veteran Senator Tammy Duckworth and Congressman Brad Schneider. I also want to thank the many communities that held events across the county to recognize the sacrifices made by veterans and their families.
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Lake County Providers Administer Over 1 Million Doses of COVID-19 Vaccine
Lake County vaccine providers have administered over 1 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to Lake County residents. According to data provided by the Illinois Department of Public Health, more than 69% of eligible Lake County residents have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and more than 60% are fully vaccinated.
With over 200 vaccination sites throughout Lake County, residents are encouraged to explore their options for vaccination. Many providers, pharmacies, and community clinics offer appointments and walk-ups for both first and second doses as well as booster shots. Learn more
COVID-19 Helpful Links
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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. 211 is multilingual with English and Spanish speaking staff and interprets 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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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
Transportation News
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Metra To Install Ticket Vending Machines at Stations
Metra will begin installing ticket vending machines at every one of its 242 stations in the Chicago area beginning in 2022. This will eliminate cash sales of tickets onboard trains, while also making tickets easier and more convenient to purchase at the stations since many don’t have agents to sell tickets all day. This system will also have fare integration with CTA and Pace. Learn more
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Health News
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Enroll Today for 2022 Health Insurance
Keep yourself and your family healthy in 2022. Open enrollment has begun for 2022 health insurance. View the important deadlines to know if you wish to enroll in health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace.
Visit HealthCare.gov for more information about coverage. If you do not have a health care provider and are interested in receiving services from the Lake County Health Department, call 847.377.8000 to learn more.
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Property News
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Board of Review Completes All Assessment Appeal Cases for 2021
The Lake County Board of Review has completed all assessment appeal cases for tax year 2021. The Board's Clerk has mailed out decision letters, which represent the final decision on your assessment appeal before the Board of Review. You may appeal this decision to the State of Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board by filing a petition for review with the Property Tax Appeal Board within 30 days after the notice is mailed to you or your attorney. Forms are available here.
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Property Owners May Be Eligible for Flood Insurance Premium Discount
Property owners residing in unincorporated Lake County may be eligible to save an average of $297 a year on their flood insurance policies.
Currently, there are more than 851 flood insurance policies in unincorporated Lake County. Through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Community Rating System (CRS) program, residents within unincorporated Lake County – who meet certain requirements – are eligible for up 20 percent savings on flood insurance premiums. This results in a potential annual total savings of $252,519 overall for residents across the county. Property owners should contact their flood insurance agent to obtain individual savings information. Learn more
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Forest Preserves News
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Ansel Adams Exhibition Open Now Through March 27, 2022
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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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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Reservations Open for 2022
The Greenbelt Cultural Center in North Chicago and The Lodge at ThunderHawk Golf Club in Beach Park are now booking events for 2022. The venues feature versatile spaces, both indoors and out, that can be reserved for business meetings, memorials, showers, weddings and other special events. For pricing and availability, contact ThunderHawk at 847-968-3450, Thunderhawkevents@LCFPD.org and Greenbelt at 847-968-3477, Greenbelt@LCFPD.org.
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Snowmobile Safety Course
The Forest Preserve Ranger Police are holding a snowmobile safety education course from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, January 22, at the Operations and Public Safety Facility in Lindenhurst. Completing eight hours of instruction and passing a written exam allows youth ages 12 and older to earn a state of Illinois Certificate of Competency so they can operate a snowmobile on their own. To reserve a spot in the free course, call 847-968-3404 from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays.
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AAA Bond Rating
The Lake County Forest Preserve District was awarded the AAA bond rating by Moody’s Investors Service, one of the top credit rating agencies in the world. The importance of the AAA rating was highlighted recently, when the District sold a $14.9 million series of bonds to refinance $16.9 million of outstanding bond issues. The sale resulted in about $1.6 million in total savings in tax levies through 2033. The savings, passed onto taxpayers, are worth about $1.5 million in today’s dollars. Learn more »
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Treasurer's Office News
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Donate A Toy to Treasurer’s Office Annual Toy Drive
Bring some cheer to local families this holiday season. Donate a new, unwrapped gift now through Dec. 10 as the Lake County Treasurer's Office joins local state representatives to hold its Annual Toy Drive. All toys will be donated to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office to distribute to agencies across the County. Learn more
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Community Events and News
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Discover Some Fun This Holiday Season
Lake County is home to many holiday festivities, meet and greets with jolly old St. Nick, shopping sprees, delectable eats and more to enjoy with the family. Enjoy this jolly list from Visit Lake County of the top 10 holiday things to do in Lake County.
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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.
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