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May 13, 2021

Dear Neighbors,

I hope this finds you and family well. It's been a busy week, so buckle your seatbelts. There's much to report and the news is moving fast.

The best news from where I sit is that the Lake County Fairgrounds vaccination site is taking walk-ins during designated hours every day. That's right, just walk into the huge fairgrounds hall and get a shot during the designated hours. Anyone over 12 is now eligible. Read more

Since our vaccine supply at the moment is plentiful, there are thousands of doses available, so if you need a shot, get a shot. Tell your family, friends and neighbors. The more people who get vaccinated, the sooner we can beat the bug.

Speaking of a stinging sensation, property tax bills have landed in your mailbox. Although no one really wants to hear the thud of those heavy envelopes, I have some good news to report.

Treasurer Holly Kim and I have been working over the past year to make it easier to understand the tax and appeal process. In what we call a Taxpayer Bill of Rights, we spell out three solid ways you can possibly reduce your bill. Not only that, we show you the many ways we've cut costs across the county to lower government spending.

Although these ways to appeal your bill have been around for years, most people don't know the full extent of these options -- and don't take advantage of them. We also show where your tax money goes by taxing body (most of it goes to schools) -- and how to find out more.

Please note: When you get your "blue" notices from your township assessor, you have 30 days to file a county Board of Review appeal, although you can correct property descriptions any time. What if the county rejects your appeal? You can appeal to the Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board, which is another option noted in the bill of rights.

Treasurer Kim has also done a great job streamlining the bill paying process. For the first year, we're offering e-filing.

Flummoxed by your tax bill? We've produced a helpful video that walks you through the bill.

Okay, this all this is well and good, but what are you really doing to cut property taxes? At the county, which accounts for 7% of your total tax bill, we've kept spending flat for the past two years. We hope to do that this year, despite the fiscal and human ravages of COVID-19, which forced us to cut spending by millions.

We've found big, long-term savings by refinancing bonds at lower interest rates -- some $7 million at the county and $8 million from the Forest Preserve. We're also consolidating offices and agencies. Our Recorder of Deeds will be merged with our Clerk's office. We eliminated one drainage and one mosquito abatement district and hope to do more. We've requested that the federal government grant us more than $40 million so that we can finance long-delayed capital improvement projects. I've been working hard on those requests as chair of the Legislative Committee. Every dollar we get from Washington or Springfield is a dollar we don't have to ask you for through property taxes.

Reforming and increasing education funding and examining assessment practices are essential steps in reducing property taxes. Many school districts are underfunded, which is Springfield's main responsibility. There's also an ongoing problem with certain areas being over-assessed on property values.

According to a 2020 study by the University of Chicago Harris School Center for Municipal Finance, which analyzed Lake County:

The most expensive homes were assessed at 32.1% of their value and the least expensive homes were assessed at 39.5%, which is 1.23 times the rate applied to the most expensive homes.

This inequity translates into the least-expensive homes paying “an effective tax rate of 3.76%, which is 1.85% the rate applied to the most expensive homes.” The highest rate calculated in the study was 4.8%.

This problem is most pronounced in communities like Grayslake, Hainesville and Round Lake Park, where effective tax are as high as 3.9%.

When you compare it to a median effective rate for the entire county of about 2%, you can see how lower- and middle-income areas are being hit with alarmingly high tax rates.

What does this mean? Middle to lower-income communities are often paying higher property taxes relative to the value of their homes. While some communities have a robust local tax base due to many retail, commercial and industrial properties, others do not. Those with the lower tax pool have to make up the difference in higher property taxes to pay for education and other services. Nearly every community has to float bonds to pay for building and maintaining schools. Taxpayers pay for these debts.

Needless to say, we need more recent data (this study only covers 2007-2016) and deeper analysis on why some properties are assessed higher than others. That will need to come from Springfield, which writes the laws on property assessment. I've been working on forming an intergovernmental task force to probe these issues, which I hope will gain momentum once we get through the pandemic. And you should also know that I asked Professor Christopher Berry, a national expert on property taxation and principal author of this research, to include Lake County in this national study. Also note that township assessors and our county assessor’s offices have been working together in recent years to ensure that assessments are accurate.

Of course, to create a fairer property tax system, both Springfield and Washington need to step up. The simple math is that if you cut property taxes, the money to run schools, pay first responders, libraries, park districts and villages has to come from somewhere other than local taxpayers. Maintaining a high level of services in the county is costly. Someone has to pay the bills.

Still, there's much you can do. 1) You can call your state legislators to fully fund their "evidence-based education funding program," which will alleviate the school underfunding situation over time. 2) Call your congressional representatives and senators to ask for more federal funding for public buildings bricks and mortar and maintenance -- and bigger federal tax deductions for residential real estate taxes.

All told, only a concerted effort by every level of government will lower your tax bill. That's why I highly encourage you to read and use the Taxpayer Bill of Rights. The more questions you ask, the more knowledge you will gain. Knowledge is power.

On the Forest Preserve front, we saw the initial plans for a new education building at Ryerson Woods (to replace some unrepairable cabins), which will serve more than 25,000 students throughout the county. The building will be a quantum leap forward in design. It's being built to last a long time and be "net positive," meaning it will create more energy than it uses.

This building, one of three net-positive structures planned within the Forest Preserve to replace obsolete facilities, will save 90% over conventional energy bills. This incredible investment will likely pay for itself in seven years. We'll be able to bank those savings and re-invest in restoring our priceless forests, prairies and wetlands. As you might imagine, I've been a strong advocate of green infrastructure design and have been active in fundraising to finance these buildings so that we don’t have to use taxpayer dollars.

Speaking of investing in the future of our natural heritage, you may see some new tags in our preserves that read "Give, Naturally." This is a gentle prompt for you to consider donating to our Preservation Foundation, which is building an endowment for future generations. (Note: My faithful and observant trail buddy Brogan saw this sign in Rollins Savanna. He doesn't miss a thing, although I honestly think he was more interested in the birds.) If you need immediate help with anything from food to rental assistance, please call the 2-1-1 hotline operated by United Way of Lake County. I am available to talk to your community group. It's always my honor to serve you. John Wasik Lake County Board District 6 John Wasik Webpage

Lake County Government News

Join Us: Public Meetings on Redrawing County Board District Boundaries 

Under state law, every 10 years all Illinois counties are required to use Census data to go through a redistricting process--known as reapportionment--to ensure that each district includes approximately the same number of residents.  On Wednesday, May 19 and Thursday, May 20, Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart will host four separate virtual public meetings to discuss the reapportionment process and to gather input from residents. Each meeting will focus on a separate quadrant of the County. Learn more  The meeting for Northwest Lake County (Antioch, Fox Lake, Lake Villa, Lakemoor, Grayslake, Hainesville, Lindenhurst, Old Mill Creek, Round Lake, Round Lake Beach, Round Lake Heights, Third Lake, Volo)  will be held Thursday, May 20; 6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. Register here

Residents Sought to Serve on Independent Ethics Commission 

Board Approves Adult-Use Cannabis Businesses in Unincorporated Lake County

On May 11, the Lake County Board approved an ordinance that permits adult-use cannabis businesses in unincorporated Lake County subject to certain restrictions. Per the ordinance, different types of adult-use cannabis facilities will be allowed to operate within the general commercial and industrial zoning districts including dispensaries and various support businesses, such as transporters, cultivators and processors. In particular, infusers, processors, craft growers and transportation facilities will be allowed by right within the industrial zones, while all other adult-use cannabis businesses will require a public hearing and the issuance of a conditional use permit from the Lake County Zoning Board of Appeals. No adult-use cannabis businesses will be permitted to operate in residential zoning districts.  
Learn more

Lake County Infrastructure Projects Being Considered for Federal Funding 

Several infrastructure projects in Lake County could get a much-needed boost as part of two new federal initiatives that identify and address infrastructure funding needs at the local level. Lake County leaders have been working closely with the County’s Congressional representatives, including Sean Casten (IL-6), Brad Schneider (IL-10), and Lauren Underwood (IL-14), who submitted nearly $50 million in funding requests to Congress for several Lake County infrastructure projects.

The projects include funding for a new Lake County Emergency Operations Center, bike paths, projects to reduce flooding and more. Learn more 

New County Art Exhibit Focuses on Emotional Wellness 

Lake County Government, in partnership with Art Impact Project, is pleased to announce an Art in Public Places exhibit entitled "Making Impact: How Art Enhances Emotional Wellness." The exhibit will be on display through the end of June at the County Administration Building, 18 N. County St., Waukegan.  This exhibit features artwork created by adolescents and adults, including inmates at the Lake County Jail, who have benefited from Art Impact Project’s supportive group programming. Learn more

COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 Vaccines Now Available for Children Ages 12 and Up

As of Thursday, May 13, the Lake County Health Department has opened COVID-19 vaccinations to children ages 12 to 15 years old.   Appointments may be scheduled through the Lake County AllVax portal. Households that are already registered on the portal are encouraged to add children as a household member, rather than setting up a separate account for their child. Minors under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to receive their vaccine at a Lake County Health Department vaccination site. Questions? Call the AllVax Support Team at (847) 377-8130.

If you are not yet fully vaccinated, you are encouraged to get your vaccine as soon as possible. The vaccine is safe and effective, and have gone through the same safety tests and meet the same standards as any other vaccines approved in the United States throughout the years.

Current COVID-19 Data    

Vaccination Count:  According to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), as of May 12, there have been 529,913 vaccine doses administered to Lake County residents, and 232,295 residents have been fully vaccinated with two doses. View IDPH Vaccine Administration Data  Case Count: As of May 11, there are 60,655 Lake County residents who have tested positive for COVID-19, including 974 deaths. View the Lake County Coronavirus Datahub       Positivity Rate: As of May 9 the rolling 7-day average testing positivity rate in North Suburban Region 9, which includes Lake and McHenry Counties, was 3.1 percent. View Region 9 information

Stay Informed

Get Help

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. To receive general COVID-19 information via text message, text "COVID19" to 211211. For more information, visit www.211lakecounty.org.

Employment Resources

Are you looking for a job during this challenging time of layoffs, furloughs, and hiring freezes? Here are some helpful resources from the Job Center of Lake County:

Find Help With Rent, Food, Insurance and More

Rental Assistance: Lake County’s new program for renters provides needed relief to those who need help making past-due or current rent and utility payments. Learn more  Food for Families in Need: Check out the Northern Illinois Food Bank calendar for a list of mobile food pantries and pop-up food markets planned for Lake County. Find food  Health Insurance: Anyone who needs health insurance may enroll through May 15, 2021 during the special open enrollment period through the Affordable Care Act. Depending on income, some people may qualify for subsidies to help reduce monthly premiums and other costs. Learn how to apply  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

2021 Construction Projects Will Ease Traffic and Reduce Emissions

Construction projects that will be undertaken by the Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) this year will improve traffic congestion, increase safety, and reduce carbon emissions. The 30 projects, involving an infrastructure investment of $109 million, feature road widenings, a new roundabout, bike path connections, resurfacings and adaptive signal controls and more. Learn more

Stearns School Road Update 

Last week, the Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) began construction on the emergency replacement of the failed culvert on Stearns School Road between Hutchins Road and Hunt Club Road. The road is expected to safely reopen to traffic in three to four weeks, weather permitting. Typically, the design, fabrication and construction would take a number of months to complete, but Lake County is working to accelerate the schedule through a two-staged approach:

Virtual Public Hearing May 25: Deerfield Road Corridor

The Lake County Division of Transportation is conducting a Public Hearing on May 25 at 4 p.m. to present and seek input on the final Deerfield Road project Environmental Assessment and preferred alternative. The preferred alternative addresses capacity, safety, drainage and non-motorized travel deficiencies, and accommodates future travel demand on Deerfield Road from Milwaukee Ave. to Saunders/Riverwoods Road. Interested residents are invited to attend the virtual public hearing and can register at deerfieldroadcorridor.com

Health Department News

May is Mental Health Awareness Month 

The pandemic has brought challenges that may lead to increased stress and anxiety. All residents, young and old, are encouraged to take some time to check in with their mental health this month and with those they love.

Young people in particular have been under increased stress as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Changes in learning environments, fewer ways to see friends, and more have led many children to feel increased anxiety and depression. If your child is struggling with their mental health, know that help is available. Check out the video our Child and Behavioral Services made about the importance of children’s mental health. 

Register for a Mental Health First Aid Class

Mental Health First Aid is a free course that teaches you how to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. The Lake County Health Department’s Mental Health First Aid initiative is offering classes virtually in May. This includes a two-hour self-paced course, followed by four hours of instructor-led training delivered virtually. Learn more and register

Treasurer's Office News

Understanding your tax bill 

Want to learn about your real estate tax bill? Did it go up or down from last year? In this handy video, Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim and Lake County Board Member John Wasik go over how to read each section of your tax bill and what it represents.  Additionally, if you would like Treasurer Kim to present "understanding your tax bill" at your local subdivision, homeowners association or assembly meeting, schedule a time and date with the Treasurer's Office.

County Clerk's Office News

New Lake County Clerk’s Institute Offers Classes About Elections

The Lake County Clerk’s Office invites interested members of the public to register for classes in the newly created Lake County Clerk’s Institute. The first class, Introduction to Elections, will begin the week of June 14 and meet once a week for three weeks.

The class is available both online and in person (with social distancing and masks required). The class will give an overview of election history and discuss the operations performed by the Lake County Clerk’s Office before, during and after an election. The class will be led by Lake County Clerk Robin O’Connor and staff from the Clerk’s elections department. Learn more and register 

Public Works News

Summer Water Restrictions Begin May 15 for Lake County Public Works Customers 

From May 15 to Sept. 15 each year, County ordinance prohibits the use of water for outside and landscaping purposes between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. In addition, outside water use is restricted to certain days of the week. Even numbered addresses can use outside water on even numbered days, and odd numbered addresses on odd days. Typically, as we move into the later parts of summer, we have much hotter and drier conditions, which may lead to additional water-use restrictions.

SWALCO News

SWALCO Chosen to Showcase Compost Project at USDA Virtual Fair 

The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO) has been selected to showcase its Community Compost and Food Waste Reduction Project at the first-ever USDA Virtual Food Loss and Waste Innovation Fair on May 26.

SWALCO received a USDA grant for a pilot community compost project. Activities include conducting a compost-to-farmland demonstration study, engaging community gardeners through education and outreach, and reducing and diverting food waste from landfills. Food is the single largest material in our US landfills, and 40 percent of all food produced for consumption goes uneaten. Learn more 

Sheriff's Office News

Meet Our Newest K9 Deputy 

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is excited to introduce Canine Danno!  Canine Danno, a 20-month-old male German Shepherd, is the newest Lake County Sheriff’s Office recruit.  Canine Danno met his human partner, Deputy Andrew Martini on April 26. The two will now undergo two months of intense training, including canine psychology, obedience, agility, tracking, scent detection and more.  Following the initial training, Canine Danno will be officially sworn-in as a Lake County Sheriff’s Deputy.   Learn more

Forest Preserve News

Bond Rating Helps Lower Tax Bills 

We have been awarded the AAA bond rating by Moody’s Investors Service, one of the top credit rating agencies in the world. Of the 250 rated recreation districts nationwide, the Lake County Forest Preserves is one of only a handful rated AAA.

The importance of the AAA rating was highlighted on April 7, when the Forest Preserves sold a $58.8 million series of bonds to refinance $64.8 million of its outstanding bond issues. The sale resulted in about $11.2 million in total savings in tax levies through 2034. Over the past seven years, refinancing these bonds has saved taxpayers about $25 million with the inclusion of this issue. Learn more» 

Breaking Barriers Exhibit Ending Soon 

There is limited time left to explore the “Breaking Barriers: Women in the Military” exhibit that runs through June 13 at the Dunn Museum in Libertyville. For centuries, women have helped to defend the nation in times of war and conflict. In this tribute to those who served, the Museum shares Lake County stories and explores women’s roles as nurses, auxiliary personnel, enlistees, and officers in the U.S. military.

The exhibit shows the evolution of roles women have had over time, at first on the frontlines alongside the military, then integrated into the military operations, and finally receiving equal military occupations, rank and pay, benefits, and recognition as veterans. Plan your visit. Learn more» 

Trivia Trails at Rollins Savanna 

If you are looking to get out into the preserves, a popular self-guided program, "Trivia Trails at Rollins Savanna" runs every day in May. Signs with trivia questions ranging from history, natural resources and site-specific information will be placed along a designated trail at the preserve in Grayslake.

The answers are posted in the preserve after the final trivia sign and online at LCFPD.org/resources. "You may be walking the trails anyway, so why not learn a little bit while you're there," said Director of Education Nan Buckardt. "Or perhaps this will be a new trail for you. Your forest preserves are open from 6:30 a.m. to sunset.” Learn more»  

Community Events & News

Lake County Restaurant Week May 14 to 23 

It's Ten Days to Savor: Discover delectable dining all across Lake County. Lake County Restaurant Week is the perfect opportunity to explore new places to dine or enjoy old favorites. Each participating restaurant will be offering either a pre-fixe menu or an exclusive restaurant week dining offer. This 10-day event featuring over 75 restaurants only happens once a year, so make your reservations early. Learn more

Free Leadership Development Program for High School and College Students 

The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) invites high school and college students to a free leadership development program to learn about the issues that shape our region and gain an interest in urban planning. The Future Leaders in Planning program will be held virtually in July. Learn more

United Way of Lake County Recognized for its Work Supporting Early School Success in Waukegan 

The Campaign for Grade-Level Reading announced that it has named Waukegan, Illinois as a 2021 Bright Spot Community for United Way of Lake County’s responses to the COVID-19 crisis last year. Waukegan is the only community in Illinois to be recognized. Learn more

Watch All County Board and Committee Meetings

All Lake County Board and Committee Meetings are currently being held remotely via Zoom due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Meetings are live-streamed at 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 is also welcome to view the livestream of all meetings in-person at 18 N. County Street, Waukegan, 10th Floor Assembly Room.

• County Board Meeting, May 11 
• Reapportionment Committee, May 7 
• Financial & Administrative Committee, May 6 
• Energy & Environment Committee, May 5 
• Public Works, Planning & Transportation Committee, May 5 
• Legislative Committee, May 4 
• Health & Community Services Committee, May 4 
• Law & Judicial Committee, May 4 
• Financial & Administrative Committee, April 29 

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