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Dear Neighbors, |
I hope this finds you, family and neighbors well.
I'm saluting veterans and their noble sacrifices and service this week. I was also humbled and honored to read a special recognition at the Nov. 9 County Board meeting proclaiming November as National Native American and Alaska Native
Heritage Month. There's so much more work we need to do in this area, starting with reconciliation and awareness of indigenous Americans and their invaluable contributions, culture and legacy.
What's in a budget? For many, it's a random herd of numbers that don't make much sense. But for me, it's much more. It's a statement of purpose and direction.
The County Board passed our Fiscal Year 2022 budget on Nov. 9. Without a doubt, it's been a challenging year as we work our way out of the pandemic. Yet, this year had some surprises and countless challenges.
One of the highlights, despite nearly 60 new program requests -- the vast majority we couldn't fund -- we managed to reduce the county portion of our tax rate slightly. While it may not seem like much, we've been able to do this two out of the last three years. This act was a testament to the firm and steady management of our great staff and our board's policy to try to flatten or reduce taxes while maintaining a high level of service. I was happy to support budgets like these.
Of course, a budget being a massive umbrella for funding everything from fixing roads to paying salaries, it also reflected long-standing needs. We are funding a sustainability director and staff this year after putting it off the past two years. This team will not only help us save money, they will work to save our environment. We're cutting energy use and waste stream while producing our own energy. Climate change is not abating, so we need to do everything we can. This was one of my requests, and I was heartened to see it become reality.
Of course, not everybody got what they wanted out of this budget. I also advocated for a federal lobbyist and environmental educator at the county's University of Illinois extension. Maybe next year?
Generally though, despite having to hold the line in many areas, we are moving forward on a new emergency management building and other improvements while cutting our debt payments by 4% because we were able to refinance some bonds. And there's much more ahead of us as we dedicate federal American Rescue Plan Act dollars, which we'll spend on essential services such as a health department hotline, rental, housing and food assistance
Forest Preserve News
Once again, our forests, prairies and wetlands are full of green wonders and promises for the future.
Thanks to an anonymous donor, we received a $2 million contribution to help fund our first net-zero education center at the Ryerson Conservation Area in Riverwoods. I was thrilled to personally work with this donor over the past several years, whose gift will benefit more than 25,000 Lake County school children annually.
We're anticipating that more grants will come in so that we can continue work on this project and many others. Better yet, a net-zero building produces enough renewable energy to meet its own annual energy consumption requirements, reducing the use of nonrenewable energy. A similar style of building for grounds maintenance is planned at Lakewood. Know any donors who want to leave a lasting, green legacy? Contact our Preservation Foundation. There are numerous ways to help.
I urge you to stop by to see the new Ansel Adams exhibit at the Dunn Museum. It's a stunning collection of the landscape photographer's early work, featuring emotionally charged vistas of the Sierras, Grand Tetons and New Mexico. This rare and enlightening exhibit runs through March.
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And heartfelt congratulations to the Grayslake Central Girls Cross County team for their platinum performance at state! (Both of my daughters were on that super team in past years). Thanks to the great coaches, teachers, parents, administrators and students who support a sterling and safe learning environment. They are running for the gold every day!
It's my honor to serve you. Please enjoy an autumn walk, tumbling in the leaves or the beauty of your neighbors. I'd be happy to talk to any community group. And if you know anyone who needs a COVID shot or booster, they are available nearly everywhere, including our county health clinics. I just signed up for my J&J booster.
Be well. Be safe, and have a happy, healthy Thanksgiving.
John Wasik
Lake County Board District 6
John Wasik Webpage
Lake County Government News
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Lake County Board Adopts Balanced Fiscal Year 2022 Budget
The Lake County Board approved a balanced Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Budget at its 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.
The Board chose to increase the levy to account for new property growth - that is growth for properties that have been developed in the last year - in Lake County in this year’s budget, but did not increase the levy up to the amount of the allowable federal Consumer Price Index. Individual tax bills may vary depending on how a property’s assessed value has changed and depending on the actions of other local government taxing bodies, but the Lake County portion of the tax bill for the average homeowner is expected to be flat or go down slightly. Learn more
Update on Consolidated Waste Hauling in Unincorporated Lake County
The Lake County Board will continue discussing permanent open burning restrictions for the unincorporated areas in the coming months. As part of that discussion, the County Board will also consider executing waste hauler agreements to provide consolidated waste hauling services for certain townships in unincorporated Lake County.
Learn more
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County Seeks to Eliminate Barriers to Appear in Court
Lake County seeks to understand the barriers people face to appear in court and is asking individuals to participate in an interview. 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
Lake County COVID-19 Update
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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 dose for children ages 5 to 11 is one-third of the dosage of the vaccine for older adolescents and adults.
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 that you may also schedule an appointment. Learn more
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COVID-19 Helpful Links
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. Speak to a live person in English or Spanish when you call. The 211 team will also interpret more than 150 other languages. Learn more
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Employment Resources
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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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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Join Virtual Meeting on Deep Lake Road Improvements
The public is invited to attend a virtual information meeting at 5 p.m. Nov. 17 to discuss the Phase 1 engineering study of Deep Lake Road from Illinois 173 to the Wisconsin state line in the Village of Antioch and unincorporated Lake County. Presented by the Lake County Division of Transportation, the meeting will include information on the preferred alternative, project schedule and an opportunity to provide input. Registration is required.
Register here
View the project website
Veterans News
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Lake County Recognizes Its Veterans
Lake County joins the nation on Veterans Day to thank the men and women for their dedication, sacrifice and commitment to serve our country. To recognize their service, Lake County supports our veterans and their families by providing services and assistance through many of our offices and departments. Read this veterans brochure to learn about all the services the County provides to assist veterans.
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Sheriff's Office News |
Welcome Ryker to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office
Meet Canine Ryker, the newest member of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Ryker is a two-year-old German Shepherd who will be assigned to Deputy Craig Somerville.
Ryker joins sheriff’s canines Dax, Duke, Danno, and Boomer, who are deployed hundreds of times a year to look for missing endangered people, search for individuals who fled from a crime, detected drugs being trafficked, and other situations. Learn more
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Forest Preserve News
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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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Art in Your Backyard
Learn about nature photographer Ansel Adams and create artwork centered around nature during a program, “Art in Your Backyard.” The program takes place from 10:30–11:30 am Tuesday, November 23, at the Dunn Museum, 1899 W. Winchester Road, Libertyville. Designed for children ages between 6 and 12, the cost is $3 for residents and $5 for nonresidents. The program includes museum admission. “Ansel Adams: Early Works” is the special exhibition taking place at the Dunn Museum through March 27. Click here to get ticket »
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Guided Hike at Grassy Lake
Community Events & News
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Discover the Top Things to Do in November
Hearty eating is in our future as we look at the top things to do in November in Lake County. So as we head into our most thankful month, check out Visit Lake County’s list of top 10 things to do in November.
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Check Out This Year’s Lake County Film Festival
Join the 11th Lake County Film Festival, which will feature in-person viewings now through November 15 and 12 days of an online virtual festival from Nov. 18 to 29. Films will be featured at the Gorton Community Center in Lake Forest, College of Lake County campuses in Grayslake and Waukegan and Three Brothers Theatre in Waukegan. Learn more
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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. Here are links to the most recent board and committee meetings, including the video recordings and agendas:
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