A new Cook County law requires all businesses in unicorporated Cook County to hold a General Business License (GBL). The purpose of the GBL is to ensure businesses operating in unincorporated Cook County are in compliance with public health and safety standards, as well as with all other County ordinances.

Applications for the 2011 GBL are due March 1st. Business owners can apply for the GBL and pay the $40 license fee online. Late applications will be subject to a late fee of $40.

Any person or business in unincorporated Cook County must obtain a GBL if:

• They maintain a fixed place of business.
• They own or lease real property for business purposes. 
• They regularly maintain a stock of tangible personal property for sale in the ordinary course of business.

A new Illinois law requires that seniors re-apply for the Senior Citizen Exemption annually.

Although Commissioner Goslin and other top officials at Cook County are against this requirement and are working to repeal the new state law, it is very important that seniors reapply for the Senior Citizen Exemption this year to receive the savings on their tax bills.

Homeowners 65 and older must fill out these applications and return them by March 8th or they will owe significantly more on their 2010 property tax bills.  

For more information on who qualifies for the Senior Citizen Exemption or to download an application, please visit the Assessor's website or call (312) 443-7550.

Commissioner Goslin's office will also be happy to offer any assistance and can be reached by e-mail at commissioner.goslin@cookcountyil.gov or by phone at (312) 603-4932.

• Approved improvement resolution for Graylynn Drive, Gregory Street to Hill Street; and Gregory Street, Lee Street to Des Plaines River Road ,Unincorporated Wheeling Township.  Centerline mileage: 0.32 miles.  Fiscal impact: $600,000 from the Motor Fuel Tax Fund.