At last week's County Board Meeting, Commissioner Goslin  joined his colleagues in sponsoring a resolution urging the Illinois General Assembly to repeal the new law that requires seniors to re-apply for the Senior Citizen property tax exemption annually.  Despite these efforts, it is very important that seniors reapply for the Senior Citizen Exemption this year to receive the appropriate savings on their tax bills.

The Cook County Assessor has extended the deadline to turn in applications for the Senior Exemption as a result of low response from previous recipients of the exemption.  All homeowners 65 and older must fill out these applications and return them by March 22nd 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.

The deadline to register to vote for the April 5th Consolidated General Election is today, March 8th.  If you cannot make it to your village or township clerk by the end of business today, you may still register during the Grace Period, but you must travel to the County Clerk's office.

Grace period registration will be available from March 9-29 at the County Clerk's downtown office (69 W. Washington, Chicago).  Grace-period registrants vote on touch screen voting equipment immediately after registering.

• 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.

• Approved reimbursement agreement between Cook County and Wheeling Township for 2011 Emergency Repair Project along Graylynn Drive and Gregory Street.  Centerline mileage: 0.32 miles.  Fiscal impact: $497,712 reimbursable from Wheeling Township.

• Approved highway maintenance resolution for purchase of Hot Patch Materials in Maintenance Districts #1 & #2.  Fiscal Impact: $165,000 from the Motor Fuel Tax Fund.   

• Approved highway maintenance resolution for purchase of Cold Patch Materials in Maintenance Districts #1 & #2.  Fiscal Impact: $125,000 from the Motor Fuel Tax Fund.