Property Tax Bills, Protect yourself from ticks, Concerts in the Plaza, and More

 

view as a webpage  •   translate

 
DBarr
 

Newsletter Sign Up  •  Contact Me  •  Website  

May 15, 2019

Color 5 House 36px

Dear Neighbors,

Dick Barr

Dear Neighbors,

I want to thank everyone who has offered feedback and suggestions for what you want to see in my periodic newsletter. We have taken your suggestions and compiled what I believe to be a comprehensive look at your County Government, our initiatives, services, events and policies that affect you and your families.

In our efforts to improve transparency, we have begun videotaping all Committee meetings, and have provided links to those videos here in the newsletter. 

Please, keep providing me with your feedback and questions. I hope you enjoy the new content and layout. 

In this issue, we talk about a potential Capital Infrastructure Bill, Crisis Care and Mental Health, Ethylene Oxide, Transportation, the new MetraMore program, Forest Preserve, Jobs, Community Events and more. Most importantly, we talk about your Property Tax distributions and how you can contact the Government bodies that make up your entire tax bill. 

Please feel free to connect to me on Facebook for more immediate updates and news that occurs between newsletters. https://www.facebook.com/DICKBARRLAKECOUNTY 

If you are a Veteran, I have also started a Community Discussion Group for Veterans and their families of District 3 to discuss and share information specifically related to Veterans. Come be a part of that conversation as well at this link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2289133394649052

Enjoy the beautiful weather!

-Dick Barr

Color 5 divider 4px
Color 5 House 36px  

Property Tax News

Lake County property owners will soon get their property tax bills in the mail. There are quick, easy ways to pay your property taxes. Some people go to the Lake County Treasurer’s Office to pay in person, but you can also pay without driving as far. Watch this video to see just how much time you can save with all the different ways to pay.

  Ways to pay property tax bill effects

Pay your property tax bill at your local bank, online, by phone, or by mail. Learn more about your payment options.

Average Lake County Property Tax Distribution

Property Tax Distribution Coin
Property tax distribution

While taxpayers pay their property taxes to the Lake County Treasurer, Lake County government receives only about 7% of the average tax bill payment. School districts get the biggest portion (about 69%). 

See how your individual property taxes are distributed (for any parcel) and how to contact those taxing bodies by visiting Lake County’s Tax Distribution website.

Apply for Homestead Exemptions with New E-Filing Portal

Smartfile E-filing portal

Lake County property owners can now apply online for certain homestead exemptions using the new Smartfile E-filing Portal. Homestead exemptions can provide tax relief to eligible homeowners, as it exempts taxable value prior to the calculation of property taxes. In Illinois, exemptions are available for a general homestead, senior, disabled person, disabled veteran, returning veteran (within the last two years), and for home improvements.

 

The Chief County Assessment Office launched this new tool to make it more convenient and efficient than using paper applications. All you need to sign up is a valid e-mail address.

 

Color 5 divider 4px
Color 5 Desk 36px

County Board News

County Leaders Support State Capital Bill for Infrastructure Funding

On May 3, the Illinois Senate Subcommittee on Capital held a public hearing in Grayslake to learn more about infrastructure needs in Lake County. Lake County leaders testified about local needs in the areas of transportation, stormwater infrastructure, affordable housing and mental health services. Find Out More

 

  Capital bill infrastructure funding effects

County Board is Working to Address Mental Health Crisis in Lake County

There is a growing need for crisis/wellness drop-off resources in Lake County for people struggling to manage their mental health. The Lake County Board recently acted to initiate a study for a Lake County Wellness Care and Drop Off Center. And in late April, Lake County Board Members hosted a full-day workshop to bring community members together to develop the vision for a Lake County Crisis Care Model. 

 

Color 5 divider 4px
Color 5 three people 36px

What Happened in Committees?

Health & Community Services Committee

The committee authorized Lake County’s 2019 video gaming revenue to fund 13 approved grants for $622,170 to provide gambling education and outreach and clinical therapeutic services for gambling addicts. Watch the discussion.

  Health & Community Services Committee

Public Works, Planning & Transportation Committee

Last week, committee members approved more than $17 million on important infrastructure to help reduce congestion and enhance safety. Watch the discussion.

 

  Committee Public Works

Law & Judicial Committee

Authorized grants to provide advocacy services to the currently under-served sexual assault, misdemeanor domestic violence, elder abuse and aggravated battery victim populations. Watch the discussion.

  Law & Judicial Thumbnail

Watch All County Board Meetings

Keep informed about Lake County government! Watch County Board meetings live at 9 a.m. on the second Tuesday of each month. You can watch meetings live online or on Comcast channels 18 and 30, or AT&T channel 99. You can also view archived board meetings and standing committee meetings anytime.

 

  LCTV
Color 5 divider 4px
Color 5 Heart 36px

Health News

Crisis Care and Mental Health Services

Crisis care hotline effects

As Lake County joins the nation in recognizing May as Mental Health Month, we are committed to help residents maintain their health and well-being. There are a variety of support services available to those experiencing problems related to emotional and mental illness or drug and alcohol addiction. This includes the 24/7 Crisis Care Program, Text-A-Tip, A Way Out program, and prescription drug collection boxes across Lake County.

 

Learn more about these mental health and crisis care services in Lake County by viewing this interactive story map!

 

Avoid Ticks and Lyme Disease

It’s the time of year to take precautions against ticks, which can be most active during the warmer weather and can carry diseases such as Lyme disease. In 2018, over 35 percent of deer ticks submitted for testing by the Health Department carried the bacteria that causes Lyme disease.  Take precautions to avoid tick bites.

 

How to Remove A Tick
Whether it’s rubbing alcohol, nail polish, or a burnt match, there’s a lot of misguided folklore when it comes to how to remove a tick. Watch this video to learn the proper techniques to remove a tick. 

 

  Tick removal video with shadow

Protect Your Pets from Ticks
Dogs love to roll around in the grass, jump in brush and walk in wooded areas – ALL places ticks may live. Watch this video to find out the proper way to check and remove ticks from your dog.

 

  Tick dogs shadow

Ethylene Oxide Air Monitoring Plans Defined

Based on recommendations from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Village of Gurnee, City of Waukegan, and Lake County Health Department officials have completed preliminary plans for outdoor air quality monitoring for ethylene oxide (EtO) near Vantage Specialty Chemicals in Gurnee and Medline Industries in Waukegan.

The preliminary plan includes one vendor being hired to collect air quality samples from four sites near Vantage and four sites near Medline. Samples will be collected at two additional remote sites to provide background levels of EtO. Learn more

 

Color 5 divider 4px
Color 5 Badge 36px

Sheriff's Office News

Scott's Law

Scott's Law effects

In 2019, two Illinois State Troopers have been killed in crashes directly related to Scott’s Law violations. Scott’s Law requires all motorists to yield a full lane or, when unable to yield a full lane, reduce their speed upon approaching a vehicle with flashing lights. For everyone’s safety, if you see flashing lights, move over and slow down! Watch this video to learn more.

 

Color 5 divider 4px
Color 5 Bus 36px

Transportation News

Paratransit Market Study is Complete

Paratransit market study

The Paratransit Market Study for the Lake County region is complete. This study was initiated to evaluate transportation options for seniors, people with disabilities and the general public and to assist these populations in travels to and from medical appointments, places of employment and other daily activities.  Throughout the study, there were numerous opportunities for public input, and a dedicated group of stakeholders representing various partners and agencies were part of the process.

Read the Final Report

 

MetraMore Launches Expanded Schedule for Reverse Commuters

Lake County businesses, local governments and partner agencies, and Metra combined forces to successfully launch MetraMore. This project expanded the train schedule on Metra’s Milwaukee District North Line, making it easier for reverse commuters to travel between Chicago and Lake County. Watch this video to share in the celebration of MetraMore.

 

  MetraMore shadow
Color 5 divider 4px
Color 5 Plant in hand 36px

Environmental News

What You Should Throw In and Keep Out of Your Recycling Bin

Recycling guidelines large image

A recent audit showed that one in four items placed in recycling bins are not recyclable. To help reduce contamination, a statewide task force created new local recycling guidelines. As not everything can go in recycling containers, these guidelines help determine what you should and shouldn’t recycle curbside. Watch this video to see how easy recycling is if you do it right.  

 

Over 5,000 Pounds of County Electronics Collected for Recycling

Lake County is committed to promoting a sustainable environment, which includes keeping electronics out of our landfills. Recently over 5,000 pounds of electronics no longer used at County facilities were dropped off to be recycled at a special one-day collection at the Libertyville campus.

 

  County electronics collection shadow

New Programs Lead to Increased Recycling at the Jail

Food scrap program

Last fall, the Lake County Adult Corrections Facility opened its newly remodeled kitchen and implemented a food scrap program that has led to much less garbage! Approximately 125 tons of material will be composted and recycled this year instead of thrown away. That is equal to 243.75 metric tons/month of avoided CO2 emission, or taking 631 cars off the road. The program is essentially paying for itself, as the cost previously needed to transport waste to the landfill is now being used to compost and recycle food scraps. Watch this video to learn more.

 

Study Shows Significant Increase in Rainfall Standards for County

Initial evaluation of rainfall data from the Illinois State Water Survey indicates Lake County is receiving between 20% and 45% higher rainfall amounts, which can have a significant impact on not only the residents of Lake County, but also the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission (SMC). Learn more about the study.

 

National Public Works Week

National Public Works Week is May 19 to 25! It’s a perfect time to recognize the Lake County Public Works professionals who not only maintain the County’s water quality, but who also act as first responders during emergencies like floods, tornadoes, and earthquakes. Watch this video to see what Public Works employees do to maintain and repair 12 separate water systems in Lake County.

 

  Water main effects
Color 5 divider 4px
Color 5 Briefcase 36px

Jobs News

Part-time, Temporary Positions Available

LCFPD positions available

Looking to spend the summer outdoors in a beautiful, natural setting? The Lake County Forest Preserves is in the process of hiring an array of temporary and part-time positions, from lifeguards to golf course attendants. "We offer a wide variety of seasonal employment opportunities with immediate openings available," said Forest Preserve Human Resources and Risk Manager Laurel Diver. Learn more »

 

Make an Impact on Homelessness in Lake County

Become a part of the Continuum of Care that supports those experiencing homelessness in Lake County. The Lake County Coalition for the Homeless is searching for an AmeriCorps VISTA to serve for the 2019-2020 term. If you are looking to make an impact in the fight to end homelessness in Lake County and are interested in learning about local government and nonprofit management in the process, this might be the position for you!  Apply to join the team.

 

Workforce Development Cultivates Talent Pipeline

Workforce Development effects

Watch this video to learn how Lake County works to prepare young people with the education and training needed for in-demand industries, such as manufacturing, healthcare, IT, transportation, and logistics. Workforce Development, Tech Campus and other community organizations provide hands-on experience to residents who want to join the workforce in Lake County. For information on job opportunities or internships, visit the Lake County Job Center.

 

Look Who’s Hiring

There are many other job opportunities across Lake County! Visit the Job Center of Lake County's website to learn about upcoming recruitment events.

Color 5 divider 4px
Forest Preserve logo  

Forest Preserve News

Forest Preserve Golf Courses Benefit Nature, Challenge Your Game

lcfpd Thunderhawk Golf Course

A new golf season means awakening three public courses from winter dormancy, bringing their rolling terrain, sand bunkers and short-trimmed greens up to par. When it comes to golfing features, the three courses operated by the Lake County Forest Preserves – ThunderHawk in Beach Park, Countryside in Mundelein and Brae Loch in Grayslake – take on separate personalities that appeal to a wide range of skill levels, from beginners to seasoned players. Each course also provides valuable natural areas and wildlife habitat that benefit nature and challenge your game. Learn more »

 

How to Stay Connected to the Lake County Forest Preserves

In this interview with Katherine Hamilton-Smith, Director of Public Affairs and Development at the Lake County Forest Preserves, she tells us more about her role, how she got started, how we can connect with the Forest Preserves and some new interesting facts you may not know. Learn more »

 

  LCFPD Katherine Hamilton-Smith

More Than a Map

LCFPD digital mapping

There was a time when the glove compartment of every car was crammed with tattered maps used to plan and trace routes during a trip. Now, most people rely on their phones and GPS navigation apps, such as Google Maps or Waze, to help them find their destination. Similarly, the Lake County Forest Preserves has switched from using paper maps to a mapping technique that involves technology much like a phone's navigation app. The digital mapping method, known as geographic information system, or GIS, provides a way to capture, store and present spatial or geographic data. Learn more »

 

Color 5 divider 4px
Color 5 Sun 36px

Community Events and News

2019 Recycle-O-Rama

Come to Recycle-O-Rama

Recycle household electronics, new and gently used clothing, shoes and more at the next Recycle-O-Rama from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 18 at Hawthorn Mall in Vernon Hills. Individuals also can bring their documents to be securely shredded. Learn more

 

HCW with effects

Mobile Household Chemical Waste Collection

Bring your unwanted pesticides, cleaners, batteries, and other household chemical waste items to be disposed properly as the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County holds a mobile household chemical waste collection from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, May 18 at the Vernon Hills Metra station. SWALCO plans public drop-off events at their Gurnee facility throughout the year as well as mobile collection events across Lake County. Learn more.

 

Best Day Ever art competition

Showcase Best Day Ever in the First 6-8th Grade Art Competition

Think about what is your “Best Day Ever” and join the Lake County Treasurer's first 6-8th Grade Art Competition! Lake County students are encouraged to interpret the theme, “Best Day Ever” however they see fit and submit artwork that reflects their own interpretation. Submit your entry by May 24. Learn more, including rules and how to apply. 

 

Concerts in the Plaza

Concerts in the Plaza 

Music lovers, dance lovers, outdoor lovers, get ready for award-winning performers playing under the stars at the annual Concerts in the Plaza music series. Eight concerts will be held at Independence Grove in Libertyville at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, June 18 through Aug. 6. From Beatles to the blues, from rock and bluegrass to swing and jazz, there's something for just about any musical taste in this season's entertainment lineup. This year's concerts are supported by North Shore Gas (Platinum sponsor), Blue Oak Financial Services (Gold sponsor), Libertyville Bank and Trust, A Wintrust Community Bank (Bronze sponsor), and Lake County Journal (Media sponsor). Learn more »

 

Wine and Nine

Wine and Nine

Enjoy a 30-minute golf clinic and a round of nine holes at ThunderHawk Golf Club in Beach Park, followed by hors d’oeuvres and wine tasting: 4:30 pm, Fridays, May 31, June 14, July 19 and August 9. Cost is $49 per person. Must be 21 or older. Register today »

 

lcfpd Comic Book Cover Contest

Comic Book Cover Contest

Draw or paint your own original comic book cover. Be inspired by your favorite characters or create a cover of your own. Submit your cover art to the Dunn Museum in Libertyville by June 1 for a chance to win a guided tour of the Marvelocity exhibition with comic book artist Alex Ross! Learn more »