Public Hearing on Tollway Capital Plan & Toll Hikes Route 53 Extension Included as Priority The Tollway Board has identified the Route 53 north extension (from Lake Cook Road to Route 120) as a long-term priority project in its proposed 10-year capital plan. The Tollway also included $100 million toward planning and technical studies for the Route 53 project, as well as the Illiana Expressway (connecting I-55 from south of Joliet to I-65 near Lowell, Indiana) in the proposed plan. Details of the capital plan and proposed toll rate increase will be presented at public hearings in the 12 counties served by the Tollway in August. There will be two hearings in Lake County: - Friday, Aug. 19, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m., Libertyville Civic Center, 135 West Church St., Libertyville (Trust me - I didn't pick the day and time!)
- Tuesday, Aug. 23, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m., Buffalo Grove Village Hall, 50 Raupp Blvd., Buffalo Grove
If you can't attend, you can submit comments to the tollway by clicking here. Click here to Learn more about "Move Illinois: The Illinois Tollway - Driving the Future. |
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| Property Taxes Due September 6th | |
The second installment of your property tax bill is due date is September 6.
An assessment is the process of appraising real property and giving it a value, which is the basis for determining what portion of the total tax burden each property owner will bear. Learn more at www.lakecountyil.gov/Assessor.
Keep in mind, tax bills are based on your 2010 property assessment.
You will receive your 2011 property assessment card in the mail this fall. I will keep you updated on when the notices are mailed and am here to assist you in navigating the property tax appeals process.
It is extremely important for property owners to pay close attention to their total property tax exemptions listed on the bill. These exemptions could lower the current tax bill. For a complete list of exemptions, go to:
www.lakecountyil.gov/TREASURER/PROPERTYTAXRELIEF. Per Illinois law, the County is required to add 1.5% penalty for taxes paid or post-marked after the due dates. Those homeowners that are unable to pay their property taxes on time should be aware that Lake County will accept partial payments with the understanding that a penalty will be charged on any outstanding balance. Payment options include by mail, in person at the Lake County Treasurer's Office, 18 N. County Street, Waukegan, or at most Lake County banks. Taxpayers may also make payments online by credit card or e-check at www.lakecountyil.gov/treasurer. A fee is charged by the processing company for these payments.
I will continue to keep in touch on the property tax appeals process.
While I don't have a role in deciding your assessment or appeal, I am here to advocate on your behalf and help you in any way I can.
Assessment notices for most townships in our area will be mailed in late September and October.
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| Lake County Launches "Buy Local" Initiative | |
 Lake County is launching a new "buy local" program to support Lake County businesses, and keep money in the local economy.
While Lake County has always encouraged local purchasing, this is part of a broader initiative to improve relations with the business community and encourage local vendors to seek business with the county.
Under the new plan, departments are required to obtain multiple quotes from local vendors and award contracts to Lake County businesses where possible, and as allowed under state law. Lake County projects potentially $16 million more being invested in the local economy, as a result of this renewed effort.
Lake County departments will seek out local vendors for purchases under the legal bid limit of $30,000, while also considering other factors such as price, quality, terms, and service delivery. Lake County will strive to ensure that local businesses have the opportunity to do business with the county, while also continuing to be good stewards of tax dollars and maintaining compliance with the law. Local governments are mandated by state law to purchase goods and services at the lowest cost.
Over the past several years, Lake County has conducted outreach, seminars, and training for local businesses in an effort to enhance opportunities for local vendors, and increase awareness about how to do business with Lake County.
Additionally, through the "Job Order Contracting" (JOC) program, Lake County increased its use of Lake County sub-contractors, reaching 71% since the program was implemented in 2009. Under the JOC program, sub-contractors perform a wide variety of renovation, repair and construction work, allowing for increased use of local businesses, as well as enhanced quality and cost-effectiveness.
Lake County will hold a series of workshops in September to provide information about the new "buy local" program. The schedule is as follows:
- Business and Government Day - Aug. 11, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., College of Lake County, Grayslake Campus
- Lake County Vendor Fair - Sep. 8, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Central Permit Facility, 500 W. Winchester Rd., Libertyville
- Job Order Contracting Breakfast - Sep. 20, 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., Central Permit Facility, 500 W. Winchester Rd., Libertyville
- Vendor Training Sessions - Sep. 20, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Central Permit Facility, 500 W. Winchester Rd., Libertyville
Businesses interested in learning more about opportunities with Lake County can visit www.lakecountyil.gov and click on "DOING BUSINESS" in the Quick Links. Businesses can also register to receive email notifications of bids, requests for proposal (RFP), and other solicitations.
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| Transportation Information | |
County  Road Projects
There are several road projects underway in our area and others that are planned for the fall.
Please click here for information on county construction projects on the roads you travel most!
www.lakecountyil.gov/Transportation
 Stuck in Traffic? There's an App for That! Apple iPhone users can now access real-time Lake County traffic information through the new Lake County PASSAGE app available free at the Apple App store. The new I-Phone app allows users to report incidents directly to PASSAGE and submit pictures, location, and description. It also has the ability for the device to detect the individual's current location. Like the existing web application, users can also get real-time congestion information, view a map of road conditions and events, including crashes, stalls, debris, and other roadway incidents, as well as camera images of major intersections. The Andriod App is coming soon! www.lakecountypassage.com/about/iphone.html |
| Forest Preserve Releases iPhone and Android App | |
 Stay up-to-the-minute with what's happening in your forest preserves on your smartphone with the new Lake County Forest Preserve mobile app.
Find out about upcoming events, trail closings and special alerts, view recent photos from around the preserves, find and map nearby preserves, view trail maps, identify local flora and fauna, and more! Connect with other friends of the preserves by checking in and sharing content via Facebook or Twitter.
Available free in the Android Market or Apple App Store-search for "Lake County Forest Preserves."
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| Important Info for Vietnam Vets | |
Lake County Veterans Assistance Commission Reminds Vietnam Veterans and Widows of August Deadline
In order to avoid losing thousands of dollars, the Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC) of Lake County is reminding Vietnam veterans who have an existing medical diagnosis for any of the three new presumptive diseases to file their claims before August 30. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) refers to "presumptive diseases" as certain cancers and other health problems related to exposure to Agent Orange, or other herbicides during military service. The three new presumptive diseases include: Ischemic Heart Disease, Hairy Cell and other B-Cell Leukemias, and Parkinson's disease.
Qualifying veterans that file before the August 30 deadline are eligible to receive up to one year of retroactive benefits. They should contact the VAC at 847-377-3344 to make an appointment, or email veterans@lakecountyil.gov The office is located at 20 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, Waukegan. VAC reminds veterans to bring their Military Discharge, DD Form 214.
Mike Peck, VAC Superintendent, said, "We strongly recommend that veterans and their widows use a VA certified Veterans Service Officer through our office. Officers will ensure proper tracking of their claim and can provide representation through the process."
Additionally, if the Vietnam veteran died from a heart attack, the spouse may qualify for benefits because the death may be due to their husband's exposure to Agent Orange and a disability of Ischemic heart disease. Qualifying widows should file for "Dependent Indemnity Compensation" (DIC) with the VAC before the August 30 deadline.
The U.S. VA will streamline claims for these presumptive diseases through its "Agent Orange Fast Track Claims Processing System."
For more information, contact:
Mike Peck
847-377-3344
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| 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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