McHenry County e-News

McHenry County, IL

5/6/2011

McHenry County Board Chairman Ken Koehler

Dear McHenry County Resident,

As a result of the recession and declining revenues, most local governments throughout the State of Illinois have been challenged to make difficult choices in order to balance their budgets while providing vital services to residents. The current path our State is taking will only serve to make this task more difficult. In all, Illinois has a spending problem, not a revenue problem. Illinois is unique in that it seems unwilling to take the necessary steps to reduce spending that other states have already done and seems only to focus on more revenue (or other ways to increase taxes).

With the largest income tax increase in State history in January of 2011, the State of Illinois decided to keep all the proceeds for itself thereby eliminating the portion that would normally go back into local governments through the Local Government Distributive Formula or LGDF. Prior to January of 2011, local governments received 10% of the total income tax, or the LGDF, from the State that has its roots in the 1970 Illinois Constitution. Currently, local governments are only receiving 6%. If that is not bad enough, the State of Illinois has indicated they plan to reduce or eliminate the original tax sharing arrangement all together. One proposal calls for a 30% reduction in the LGDF, or $7,132,356 from McHenry County local governments. The signals are loud and clear from members of the House and Senate who are using terms like "shared pain" when describing the State's financial situation. However, McHenry County did not create the State's budget woes and simply cannot afford this!

The McHenry County Board, along with many other Illinois county boards, the McHenry County Council of Governments, the Metropolitan's Mayor Caucus, and the Illinois Municipal League, are in strong opposition to any further reduction in LGDF or other revenues, especially at a time when we are already experiencing the same economic hardships the State is facing. We need your help to get the message to our state legislators by calling, writing, faxing, or emailing them to protect the LGDF...This is your money!

The State of Illinois claims it does not have a Plan B, but we believe Illinois has the opportunity to position itself to compete with neighboring states for businesses. Becoming competitive on taxes and workmas' compensation are two key ways to make Illinois more attractive for businesses. This is the type of much needed reform that will allow Illinois to put our good citizens back to work. Jobs will increase revenue and Illinois will only rebound when we once again become financially viable and responsible.

Sincerely,

Kenneth D. Koehler

County Board Chairman

County Board Member Spotlight:

Paula Yensen

Paula Yensen was elected to the McHenry County Board in November, 2008 and currently resides in Lake in the Hills. Ms. Yensen serves as Vice-Chairwoman of the Transportation Committee and is a member of the Management Services and Human Resources Committees. Additionally, Ms. Yensen serves on the McHenry County Stormwater Commission and Pollution Control Facility Siting Committee. Click here to learn more about Ms. Yensen.

McHenry County Property Tax Bill to be Mailed Soon

McHenry County property owners will be receiving a bill in the mail next week for 2010 property taxes which are payable in 2011 in two installments. The first installment due date is June 13, and the second installment due date is September 13.

Property owners who do not receive a bill by May 20, or those looking for payment options, can obtain this information online at www.mchenrytreasurer.org, or by calling the Treasurer's Office at (815)334-4260.

It is extremely important for property owners to pay close attention to their total property tax exemptions listed on the bill which could lower the current tax bill. For a complete list of exemptions, go to
http://www.mchenrytreasurer.org/common/countydpt/treas/reducingtaxbill.aspx.

County residents receive a single tax bill for the full year's taxes, payable in two equal installments. Taxpayers will not receive a second bill when the second installment is due.

Pursuant to Illinois law, the County is required to add a 1.5% penalty for taxes paid or post-marked after the due dates.

MCDOT Update

County Road Construction Projects Update

Rakow Road Reconstruction - April was a very rainy month, but noticeable progress was definitely made! Earthwork is progressing on the south portion of the project with storm sewers being installed from Virginia Road towards Illinois Route 31. Temporary pavement is proceeding on the north side in preparation for shifting traffic to the north to allow the southern half of the pavement to be constructed this year. Water main work has begun at Ackman Road. Utility relocations continue along the corridor and are anticipated to be complete in May. Temporary traffic signals were turned on at the Ackman, McHenry, Pyott and Virginia Road intersections. Signal timings are continuously being monitored and adjusted to maximize their benefits to traffic. We appreciate your patience and extra care in driving through the construction zones.

Walkup Road Widening, Resurfacing and Multi-use Path Construction - Construction is resuming in full swing this week with Curb and Gutter being poured on the east side at Crystal Springs Road, concrete pathway being poured north of Hillside Road on the east side, paving of pavement widening starting later in the week, and installation of traffic signal equipment. Traffic flows will be interrupted intermittently throughout the week in the areas where crews are working. Please Drive Carefully and allow extra time to get through the construction zones. For more information and to sign up for email updates, visit www.WalkupRoad.info

Dunham Road Bridge Replacement - The last two weeks of weather have hurt progress as earthwork was not possible with all of the rain. However, the Contractor plans to gear up starting Tuesday to place Rip Rap, drive piling, and prepare to pour the west abutment. The project is scheduled for completion by June 24; however utility work did create about a delay which may extend the completion date.

Union Road Bridge Replacement - The Preconstruction meeting has been set by IDOT for May 13, 2011. Work is expected to start within two weeks of that date. The contract completion date for this work is September 30, 2011. There will be a marked Detour Route in effect for the duration of construction using IL 176, IL 23, US 20, West Union Road and North Union Road. The Detour Route and additional information will be available at www.McHerny CountyDOT.org in the near future.

County Pavement Preservation Projects - The County's milling and resurfacing project is scheduled to start on May 16. The low bidder on this project was Arrow Road Construction Company. This project will provide a heavy mill and overlay on Maple Street, Cary-Algonquin Road and Roberts Road.

The County Crack Sealing project is scheduled to start in early May and will include routing and sealing of pavement cracks on Coral, Country Club, Lakewood, Ridgefield and Vermont Roads.

Three New Bridge Replacement Projects - On April 29, 2011 in Springfield, IL, bids were taken by the Illinois Department of Transportation on three McHenry County Bridge Replacement projects. Work is expected to start on all three later this summer and all are scheduled to be completed in 2011. They are the Lawrence Road bridge over Lawrence Creek just north of Oak Grove Road, the Dunham Road bridge over Rush Creek west of Illinois Route 23 in Dunham Township, and the Graf Road bridge over Lawrence Creek just north of Oak Grove Road in Chemung Township. The completion of these projects will eliminate three load posted bridges on the County and Township roadway systems.

Visit www.McHernyCountyDOT.org and check out the interactive Construction Map for the latest information or links to specific project.

MCSO Update

Patrol Deputy Testing

The McHenry County Sheriff's Office Merit Commission is seeking applicants for the position of Merited, Full-time Deputy Sheriff. To be considered, applicants must be placed on an eligibility list by passing a physical ability test and written examination. Please click here for the location of the testing and more information on this position.

Corrections Officer Testing

The McHenry County Sheriff's Office is seeking male and female applicants for the position of Correctional Officer. To be considered, applicants must be placed on an eligibility list by passing a physical ability test and written examination. Please click here for the location of the testing and more information on this position.

Credit/Debit Card Scams

The McHenry County Sheriff's Office would like to remind you to be mindful of your credit cards, debit cards, and to frequently view your statements for fraudulent activity. There have been numerous reports of fraudulent debits coming out of California that have impacted residents of Northeastern Illinois. Please report any fraudulent activity to your local police department and bank immediately. Click here to visit the Internet Crime Complaint Center.

McHenry County Appointments

The McHenry County Board is currently accepting applications for appointment to the following boards and commissions:

McHenry County Housing Commission
McHenry County Ethics Commission
McHenry County Housing Authority Board
McHenry County Board of Health
McHenry County Tuberculosis Board
Valley Hi Nursing Home Operating Board

Click here to view board and commission descriptions and to obtaining an application.

MCDH Update

PERSONAL HEALTH SERVICES

"It's Your Time" is the theme for this year's National Women's Health Week (May 8-14) which empowers women to make their health a top priority. McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) is offering a free 8-week interactive educational program designed for women 18 and older to foster healthy choices for a better quality of life. The classes will be led by MCDH's Lila Keller, BSN, RN and are held at the Woodstock Recreation Center (Multi-Purpose Room A), 820 Lake Avenue, from May 12-June 30, 7:00 pm-8:30 pm. Pre-registration is required at 815-338-4363.

The "Life Smart for Women" program will provide participants with skill building tools, goal setting and self-help tips to improve their health. Discussion topics will include: nutrition, coping with stress, dealing with tobacco, alcohol, drugs and violence, and how to stay healthy through all ages of our life. They will also have the opportunity to evaluate their own personal risk factors for developing chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and stroke. Free cardiovascular screenings will be provided.

National Women's Health Week is a week-long health observance coordinated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office on Women's Health http://www.womenshealth.gov/whw/. It brings together communities, businesses, government, health organizations, and other groups in an effort to promote women's health. It encourages women to take steps to improve their physical and mental health and lower their risks of certain diseases. For more information, call Lila Keller at 815-334-4510 or visit www.mcdh.info.

May is Mental Health Month

MENTAL HEALTH COMMUNITY PARTNERS

McHenry County Community Partners-Mental Health Awareness for All group invites the community to participate in a variety of free educational programs, including a theater performance and art exhibit. Click here to see the free community education programs!

For more information on "May is Mental Health Month", please visit http://mchenry.il.networkofcare.org/mh/home/news_announcements.cfm or call 815-455-2828.

James R. Rakow Road Dedication

On Wednesday, April 27, 2011, McHenry County dignitaries met at Rakow Road in Crystal Lake for the dedication of the James R. Rakow Road Construction Project. While the rain did force event attendees to gather under a tent, those that spoke highlighted the positive impacts this project will have on McHenry County residents once completed. Speakers included: Transportation Committee Chairwoman Anna May Miller, County Recorder Phyllis K. Walters, County Board Chairman Ken Koehler, and United States Congressman Don Manzullo...Read More

Water Resources Update

The McHenry County Division of Water Resources encourages you to visit the links noted below.

Did you know that McHenry County is a USEPA Water Sense Partner?

Test your water sense on the USEPA Water Sense website at http://www.epa.gov/WaterSense/.

Do you know what your water footprint is?

Calculate your water footprint at http://watercalculator.fieldmuseum.org/waterstories.

Do you know where you get your drinking water from? There is a new campaign called "What's Our Water's Worth" led by the Metropolitan Planning Council and Openlands designed to raise awareness about the value of water in metropolitan Chicago. From Lake Michigan to the Fox River, how we use our water resource - including what we conserve, how much we waste, and what we choose to invest in water quality - is up to all of us. This is our water - and it's worth more than we know. Learn more at www.chicagolandh2o.org.

Become a Fan of the McHenry County Water Resources Division on Facebook by clicking here.

Barry and Rita Valentine retire after over 58 years combines of Public Service

On Tuesday, May 2, the McHenry County Board recognized Barry and Rita Valentine for their years of dedication to McHenry County and its residents. The Valentines have a combined 58 years of public service between them and will retire today (Friday, May 6^th). McHenry County is appreciative of their contributions as employees that has been essential to making McHenry County a safer and more desirable place to live...Read More

Look at Local History Month - May 2011

"Look at Local History" Month is a project of the McHenry County Joint Council of Historic Groups. The Council is made up of various local historical societies, historic preservation commissions and interested citizens.

Click here to view the Calendar of Events of 2011 for historical events throughout the month of May!

Special Courts Presentation:

22nd Judicial Circuit and McHenry County

Date:	Thursday, May 12, 2011
Time:	6:00 p.m.
Where:	McHenry County College - Shah Center 4100 West Shamrock Lane McHenry, IL 60050
RSVP:	815-455-2828
Presentation:	Scott Black - Special Courts Coordinator Dan Wallis - Court Administrator Hon. Charles P. Weech - MHC Presiding Judge

In conjunction with "May is Mental Health Month" and "National Drug Court Month" the 22nd Judicial Circuit is offering a presentation highlighting the existing Mental Health Court and upcoming Drug Court programs.

"When one person rises out of mental illness/substance use and crime, WE ALL RISE!"

CMAP: Future Leaders in Planning

The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) is calling all Northeastern Illinois high school students! If you are concerned about having better parks, about the streets in your community, or ever wondered how and why a community is planned the way it is, then apply to CMAP's Future Leaders in Planning Program. CMAP is looking for high school students who want to learn about our region while interacting with other students from the Chicagoland. If you have ideas on how to make Northeastern Illinois a better place to live, go to school, work, and play, please apply to Future Leaders in Planning by clicking here.

McHenry County Board

Below is the name of your McHenry County Board members. Click on each name to view personalized sites for each member.

Chairman - Kenneth D. Koehler

Vice Chairman - John Jung, Jr.

District 1

Districict 2