Last week, the Lake County Board passed a resolution authorizing the dissolution of the Avon-Fremont Drainage District (AFDD). The AFDD is one of four remaining drainage districts in Lake County and includes properties in Grayslake, Hainesville, Libertyville, Round Lake Beach, Round Lake Park and unincorporated Lake County. This action moves the AFDD closer to full dissolution. 

Since 2017, the Lake County Board has eliminated or consolidated seven special districts. Following the anticipated approval of the resolution by the Village of Grayslake on December 16, a petition will be filed with the Circuit Court. This final step of the dissolution process will take approximately three months to complete.

Earlier this year, Lake County received recognition from the Civic Federation for being a leader in its efforts to reduce duplication, cut costs and streamline operations in the delivery of public services. They cite that the progress achieved in reducing or consolidating these layers of government shows that such efforts are both feasible and beneficial, resulting in greater efficiency and savings for taxpayers. 

"This dissolution demonstrates our continued commitment to smarter, more efficient government, which has reduced and, in several cases, eliminated special district tax levies throughout the county,” said Sandy Hart, Lake County Board Chair. “We are proud to be recognized by the Civic Federation as a leader in Illinois for our efforts to streamline operations, reduce redundancy and ensure Lake County taxpayers receive high-quality services without unnecessary layers of government.” 

With 9,000 units of local government, Illinois has more than any other state. Lake County, which has more than 200 units of government, has been steadily pursuing opportunities to consolidate or eliminate special districts, such as sanitary, drainage and mosquito abatement districts. These efforts aim to provide similar or improved services at a lower cost to taxpayers. 

One example includes Lake County Public Works assuming operations of the Lakes Region Sanitary District, which eliminated the district’s $1.25 million annual property tax levy. Across all efforts over the past nine years, the Board has focused on removing redundant functions and eliminating small tax levies from residents’ property tax bills, when possible.

"With so many units of local government, people often don't know who to call with a question or an issue," said Paul Frank, Lake County Finance and Administrative Committee Chair. "Our continued efforts to reduce the number of units of government in Lake County through dissolution or consolidation are designed to improve transparency and accountability. Our Board continues to lead in this effort."