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Dear Neighbors, |
I hope this finds you, family and friends well and relishing our fall weather.
It's been a bustling week with a truck load of important business. Although we're turning the corner in so many ways, we're still in the trenches on COVID. The good news is that our infection rates are flattening out. Our area has one of the lowest rates in the state.
The ongoing challenge is that we're still trying to get to an 80% countywide vaccination rate to achieve what public health scientists call "herd immunity" where the virus is mostly stymied in finding new people to infect.
Although we've given more than 76,000 shots at our county fairgrounds alone, we're calling upon every neighborhood to help. You can now get a shot at nearly every pharmacy and our county health clinics. And while you're at it, get a flu shot. I got mine today. It took minutes. Both shots are essential. The only way to beat these bugs is through vaccines.
Of course, since we're still being impacted by the pandemic, there's much work to do. The county board just voted yesterday to start funding various community programs, financed by a $136 million grant from the federal American Rescue Plan Act. We'll be spending more than $8 million on vaccinations, $6 million on rental/utility assistance, $184,000 for mental health counselors at our county Children's Advocacy Center and $20,000 for eviction mediation program.
Budget News
Beyond our battle with COVID is keeping county government spending flat while providing superior service and updating our facilities. Although we don't vote on our budget until next month, we expect -- and I will support -- a small decrease in the county tax rate.
One of our biggest projects has been in the works for years and was just approved for design; the new home for the 911, emergency operations center, and emergency telephone management center. Along with a countywide facilities master plan, there's unanimous support for bringing our essential county facilities into the 21st century.
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On the Forest Preserve side, we approved a $63 million budget for 2022. As usual, our amazing staff held the line on expenses and reaped a $10 million savings by refinancing some bonds. The tax rate for the Forest Preserve -- just 2% of your total tax bill -- will also drop slightly.
Keep in mind, though, that the Forest Preserve and county are doing much more with less. Property values crashed in 2008 and didn't bottom out until 2014. They've never recovered to 2006 levels, which reduces the amount of tax revenue to run our most popular institution.
Fortunately, we're receiving generous donations to our Preservation Foundation, including one constituent who just gave us $30,000 from her IRA. Thanks! Want to help us? Consider donating stock or cash. You can also contribute when you buy through Amazon Smile. There are so many ways to help.
Finally, I want to report some modest victories in our legislative agenda for 2022. This is the basket of proposals we'd like to see passed into law in Springfield and Washington. We have four provisions to help veterans and their families, for example.
Several of the issues we're hoping the General Assembly will help Lake County on include reducing single-use plastics, carpet recycling, prescription take-backs, toxic asphalt sealants and bird-friendly building design.
We'll be working hard to secure state legislation on these and other important issues, but here's where you can help: If you care about any or all of these items (please read our entire legislative agenda), please let your state representative and senator know how you feel. They hear from me all the time since I chair the legislative committee. Yet it makes a big difference if they hear from you. Your voice matters more than ever.
Don't forget to get outside, take a hike on our gorgeous Forest Preserve trails and breathe in that luscious autumn air. It's truly a gift. There's still time to complete the Hike Lake County Challenge. You only have to hike the equivalent of seven trails to get a walking stick shield, dog medallion or zipper pull. Note: My trail buddy Brogan won't let me rest until I hike all of them! Then we'll hike some more in the winter.
As always, it's my honor to serve you. If you have an immediate need for county services, call 2-1-1. I'm always thrilled to speak before any community group.
Be well, be safe,
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John Wasik
Lake County Board District 6
John Wasik Webpage
Lake County Government News
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Board to Conduct Budget Hearings Oct. 26 to 28
The Lake County Board will hold its annual hearings on the County’s proposed Fiscal Year 2022 recommended budget on Oct. 26, 27 and 28. During these hearings, board members carefully examine the proposed budget and make recommendations prior to adopting the final budget in November.
The proposed $601.5 million budget incorporates the recovery of revenues back to pre-pandemic levels and reflects the County’s long-standing approach to adopting a budget in a fiscally responsible manner that is sustainable into the future, which has led to Lake County maintaining a AAA rating from both Moody’s and Standard and Poor’s for more than two decades.
After the budget hearings, further revisions will likely be made to the budget, and the board is anticipated to vote on the final budget at its Nov. 9 meeting.
The public may attend these meetings virtually and in person at the Lake County Administrative Building, 18 N. County St., 10th Floor, Waukegan. View the schedule of all Board and committee meetings and agendas on the County website.
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County Celebrates Audrey Nixon Boulevard and Reconstructed 14th Street
The Lake County Board, Cities of North Chicago and Waukegan and Division of Transportation along with community members gathered to celebrate the newly named Audrey Nixon Blvd. and the completion of the 14th Street reconstruction project. Watch this video taken at the dedication to learn more.
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Lake County COVID-19 Update
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Regional Vaccination Site Closes. County Offers Other Vaccination Options
The Lake County Health Department announced the Regional Vaccination Site at 102 W. Water Street in Waukegan has closed. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) will continue to operate its community-based COVID-19 testing at this location.
COVID-19 vaccine appointments for first and second doses are available at the Lake County Health Department and Community Health Centers in Waukegan, Round Lake Beach and Zion. Many pharmacy and retail locations also have COVID-19 vaccines by appointment and walk-ins. Learn about upcoming vaccination events and other options by visiting lakecountyil.gov/vaccine or call 847.377.8130.
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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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Employment Resources
The Job Center of Lake County has partnered with local employers to help connect jobseekers with local companies that are hiring. Check out these Job Center events and resources:
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Moving Up! Career Pathways for Young People, 1 p.m. Oct. 14: Open to ages 24 and younger, this program will introduce you to organizations that offer free training. The program will be held online and in person. Register online or call 847.377.3456
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Hire Lake County Job Fair, noon to 2 p.m. Oct. 27: Meet employers from a variety of industries at the fair, which will take place at the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort. Masks will be required. Register to attend.
View the full Job Center calendar
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Find Help With Rent, Business Assistance, Food, and More
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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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Back to Business (B2B) Grant Program: B2B grants of $5,000 to $150,000 are available to small businesses hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic. Grants can cover operational losses, staff and more. Apply for the program.
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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. Learn more
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Transportation News
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County Seeks Temporary Road Maintenance Workers
The Lake County Division of Transportation is seeking temporary road maintenance workers this winter! Each year, these positions (often referred to as snowbirds) are an essential part of snow and ice control operations. Apply today.
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SWALCO News |
Don’t Trash It! Smash It
Let’s green our Halloween! Join the Pumpkin Smash at one of these locations and bring your pumpkin to be composted. Did you know pumpkins are 90% water, so they are great for our soil and can be easily composted?
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Health News
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Dispose Your Prescription Drugs Properly. Here’s How
Unused or expired prescription medications are a public safety issue, leading to accidental poisoning, misuse, and overdose. Lake County is joining National Drug Enforcement Agency Drug Take Back Day on Oct. 23 and urges you to properly dispose unused drugs to save lives and the environment. There are 32 permanent prescription drug disposal boxes at police departments across the County.
View items accepted and not accepted in disposal boxes
Find a collection box near you
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Get Your Flu Vaccine
During the COVID-19 pandemic, reducing the spread of respiratory illnesses like influenza or flu is more important than ever. The CDC recommends everyone age 6 months and older get a flu vaccine each year. Now is the ideal time to get vaccinated so you are protected through the fall and winter.
Many healthcare providers and retail locations have flu vaccines available. Flu vaccines and other life-saving immunizations are available at the Health Department’s Community Health Centers. To make an appointment, call 847.377.8800.
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Stormwater Management Commission News
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Northeast Illinois Deicing Event
Lake County partnered with multiple agencies to host the Northeast Illinois Deicing Event for winter maintenance providers. The deicing workshops focus training efforts on ways to keep public and private sector professionals up to date on best management practices for winter maintenance that safely reduces road salt use. These workshops, which ran on select dates from Sept. 28 to Oct. 12, had over 800 participants from various municipalities, townships and private organizations.
Using salt to de-ice roads is a common method to make roads less slick, but that salt washes away into lakes and streams or seeps into groundwater which can threaten plants and animals. Chloride, the main compound in many deicers is also corrosive to infrastructure such as roads, sidewalks and bridges. Excessive salting is harmful to the environment and infrastructure. Using more salt does not mean “more” safe.
Lake County and the Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) make it a priority to use salt wisely while maintaining the highest level of service. LCDOT uses an in-house liquid blending system that allows for the adjustment of salt brine and beet juice ratios to meet various road conditions. This is one example of a safer alternative that Lake County shares at the annual Deicing Workshops to help keep our roads safer in the winter.
Learn how you can practice safe habits this winter.
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Forest Preserves News
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Free Senior Museum Admission
Admission to the Bess Bower Dunn Museum is free for seniors during the month of October. Visitors 62 and over are able to visit the Museum, located at 1899 W. Winchester Road, at no cost through October 31.
The Dunn Museum, operated by the Lake County Forest Preserves, cares for the heritage of the county through its distinguished historic collections, and innovative special exhibitions inspired by art, history and popular culture in gallery settings. Learn more »
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Birdwatching Hot Spot
Environmental Educator Mark Hurley, an avid birder, is leading the session, “Birding Hot Spot: Fort Sheridan,” from 12 to 2 p.m., Saturday, October 23 at Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve in Lake Forest.
No registration is required for the free event. Visitors are asked to park in the main lot and follow signs to the Lake Michigan overlook. Participants will look for waterfowl, raptors and other migratory species at the Lake County birding hot spot. Spotting scopes and binoculars will be available. Learn more »
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Halloween Hikes
There is limited space available at Halloween Hikes, guided group walks along a candlelit path to watch fun nature-themed skits. The hikes take place during designated times on the evenings of Friday, October 22 and Saturday, October 23.
The popular program is designed for families and not organized groups. Registration and tickets are required. The cost is $9 for residents and $11 for nonresidents. Children under 3 are free. Email AskAnEducator@LCFPD.org with questions. Learn more »
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Community Events & News
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Discover Fun Things to Do in October
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 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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