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RIGHT AFTER RAISING YOUR INCOME TAXES, SPRINGFIELD IMPOSES A
PROPERTY TAX MULTIPLIER
When taxpayers receive their tax bill in a few weeks, they will see a line that reads "state multiplier 1.0199". This number comes from the Illinois Department of Revenue. This means that assessed values will rise 1.99% for tax billing purposes, it does not mean that tax bills will go up by 1.99%. In most years, the "state multiplier," or equalization factor is 1.0000, which means the assessed value on a piece of property does not change.
The assessment process is a way of dividing tax burden. If everyone's value goes up by the same percentage at billing, the relative burden does not change.
Over the last three years, the Lake County Board of Review saw record numbers of assessment appeal filings. The volume of successful appeals, coupled with valuation change requests submitted by local assessing officials, led to the need for a higher state multiplier in order to bring Lake County assessed values to 33 1/3% of its market value (in the aggregate).
For questions about:
- The State Equalization Factor: County Clerk's Tax and Real Estate Department, 847-377-2287
- Your Tax Bill: Treasurer's Office, 847-377-2323
- Your Assessment: Chief County Assessment Office, 847-377-2050
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| Road Construction Season is Underway | |
 Lake County DOT road projects this year include: bridge deck replacement on Arlington Heights Road; new road extensions of Midlothian Road and Cedar Lake Road; completion of Washington Street widening; two new roundabouts on Hunt Club Road; realignment of Peterson Road at IL Rte 60.
View complete list of 2011 DOT projects |
| Because YOU Asked: The IMRF Pension System | |
 Many of you have asked what Lake County's role is in overseeing pensions for our employees.
The bottom line is, we pay into the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund, but policy decisions regarding who is entitled to what is set in Springfield.
Most importantly, you may have read about the Elected County Official (ECO) pension system (click here to read more). Lake County does not participate in this pension plan.
Here is how it works:
Lake County employees participate in IMRF (The Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund). IMRF was created by the Illinois General Assembly.
IMRF is not a state agency, and IMRF is not funded by the State of Illinois. IMRF is funded by participating individual municipal employers, participating employees and primarily by investment returns. IMRF has more than 180,000 active members working for nearly 3,000 different units of government, including school districts, counties, cities and villages, parks and libraries. It has more than 93,000 retirees.
Both County employees and Lake County government (as the employer) contribute into IMRF. Per State law, IMRF calculates the amount Lake County is required to contribute toward full funding; in other words, so the pension fund has enough money in reserve today to meet future pension obligations for benefits earned to date.
In 2010, IMRF earned a rate of return on investments of 13.4 percent, resulting in an 86.5% "Funded Status." This means for IMRF pension plans are 86% fully funded, which is very good - especially compared to state employee pension systems which legislators have underfunded for decades.
Members who retired in 2009 (with approximately 21 years of service) received an average annual benefit of approximately $11,000.
The State recently passed some reforms:
The State reformed the pension system last year, creating a "two-tier" system, where current employees keep their existing pension plans, but new hires join a tighter new system. New hires aren't able to retire with full benefits until age 67. The maximum salary on which their pension can be based is capped at $106,800. Their payout will be based on their highest salary during eight consecutive years of the last ten. Also, "Double-dipping," where a government employee retires, is re-hired by the government elsewhere, retires again, and collects two pensions, has been banned.
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| Lake County's Efforts to Combat Cyber Crime | |
 Computer related crimes are on the rise. As technology advances, criminals continue to find ways to use this new technology to commit crimes.
In an effort to crack down on cyber bullying, cyber stalking, child pornography, identity theft and various other computer related offenses, Lake County State's Attorney Michael Waller created a specialized Cyber Crime Unit in 2000.
In this video, hear from a team of experts about the tools and techniques they use to successfully investigate and prosecute cyber crime, and learn a few tips to keep you and your family safe. You don't have to be a computer expert to increase your security.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE CYBER CRIME VIDEO
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| Lake County In The News |
Lake Co. Board Could Shrink This Year
April 12, 2011
"...Vernon Hills Republican Aaron Lawlor, the vice chairman of the committee, recommended eliminating two county board districts Monday...Cutting two commissioners from the roll also will save the county money..."
Click here to read more
Mariano's Hiring Hundreds in Vernon Hills
April 15, 2011
"Construction of a $6 million Mariano's Fresh Market is moving smoothly and a mid-June grand opening is planned. It will be the Milwaukee-based food retailer's second Illinois store...
...About 400 people will be employed at the Vernon Hills store, with 300 of them new hires, according to Vivian King, director of public affairs for Roundy's Supermarkets Inc., the parent company."
Click here to read more
EDITORIAL: Coroner's Audit
April 12, 2011
"Currently there is a call by County Board Member Aaron Lawlor, a Vernon Hills Republican, which is being heard in committee to place on next year's ballot a measure to make the coroner an appointed post.
We have supported doing so in the past, and hearing of Richard Keller's cavalier effort in running the Coroner's Office the past decade, it solidifies our resolve that this office should no longer be elected. It should become a professional medical examiner's office..."
Click here to read more
Click here to read the Sheriff's Audit of the Coroner's Office |
| District 18 Events | |
Public Meeting on Residential Leaf Burning Near Stevenson High School
Monday, May 9
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Stevenson High School
SWALCO Household Electronics Collection Event
Now Accepting Alkaline and Rechargeable Batteries! May 2 through October 31
Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Village of Mundelein
440 E. Crystal Street
Saturday, April 30
8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Village of Vernon Hills (Public Works Facility)
490 Greenleaf Drive
SWALCO Household Chemical Waste Collection Event
Saturday, May 7
Hawthorn Woods Half Marathon May 1, 2011 For more information, visit: www.321goevents.com. Hawthorn Woods Golf Outing
The Illinois House Redistricting Committee will hold a public hearing on legislative redistricting Tuesday, April 19, in Waukegan. Every ten years after the census has been taken, the Illinois legislature must redraw legislative district maps according to population and demographic changes, along with other considerations. The Illinois General Assembly is currently holding public hearings statewide to hear from residents, civic groups, community organizations, and minority, senior and disabled advocacy groups to gather input in compliance with the Redistricting Transparency and Public Participation Act. |
| Aaron Lawlor - Representing District 18 | |
Dear Neighbor,
I hope you find this information helpful. Please continue to ask questions and suggest topics for the e-newsletter.
With so much going on at all levels of government, don't hesitate to contact me with your questions and concerns regarding this or other issues. You can reach me via email or on my cell at (847) 971-0454.
It is an honor to serve YOU on the County Board and Forest Preserve Board.
Sincerely,
Aaron Lawlor
P.S. If this email was forwarded to you, please click here to sign up so I can get you information directly - especially in the case of a road closure, weather emergency or other issue.
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| Lake County Resident Resource Center | |
NEW Dental Discount Card
A new dental discount card program is now available that will help Lake County residents save money on their dental service expenses.
Individuals or families may opt to pay for a monthly or yearly membership. The cost for a yearly individual membership is $59 and $69 for families.
More than 200 providers in Lake County are participating in this program. Discount card holders will receive significant savings from these providers on dental cleanings, x-rays, braces, dentures, crowns, root canals and more. This plan is not insurance.
Cardholders can simply schedule an appointment with a participating dentist or specialist and present their card to receive a discount at the time of service.
To sign up for the Dental Discount Card Program, residents can download a registration form at: www.nacodentalprogram.com. A list of participating providers and more information is available.
Prescription Drug Discount Card
 County residents can take advantage of a prescription drug discount card program. The card is free and accepted at most pharmacies. The average card savings is 20 percent off retail prices. This is intended for people without prescription coverage or on medicines not covered by your plan.
The card may also be used where accepted to fill prescriptions for pets.
To receive a card, click here or email me your address and I will send you one!
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