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| Lake County News
from David Stolman
County Board Chairman |
| November 11, 2011 |
County Board Chairman
District 20 Representative |
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Neighbors,
As always, it's a pleasure and honor representing you on the County and Forest Preserve Boards.
Today is Veteran's Day, and I would like to thank our American Veterans who have served, and to the military men and women who are serving today. These men and women deserve our gratitude.
Please contact me anytime for any reason - I love hearing from you!
Send email to:
dstolman@lakecountyil.gov
or call me at 847-377-2300.
I encourage you to forward this update to others who may be interested in Lake County news.
Thank you,
David Stolman
Lake County Board Chairman
Representing Buffalo Grove, Long Grove and Prairie View |
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County Board Approves 2012 Budget
Over the last several years, like all local governments, Lake County experienced declines in revenues due to the economic downturn, as well as cuts in state funding. The 2012 budget is less than it was in 2009, but it does reflect growth consistent with an improving economy, while adhering to the county board's conservative fiscal philosophy.
In response to the "new normal" of today's economic conditions, the County Board made smart decisions, applied sustainable strategies, and implemented sound investments.
Some examples of investments that are producing positive results include:
- The county has decreased personnel expenses (the biggest piece of our budget) by implementing efficiencies and new technology. The County has aggressively reduced headcount for three consecutive years through various initiatives, such as: the accelerated retirement option, consolidation of divisions, adjustments in staff levels to align with workload, and holding vacant positions open. Departments across county government contributed to these efforts and as a result, Lake County has saved nearly $50 million cumulatively in salary expenses (between 2009 and 2011).
- Another example is in the area of energy conservation. The County has been aggressively investing in energy saving technology and practices resulting in a cumulative savings of $7 million. Even with the addition of new buildings, total expenditures on utilities are expected to total just $4.4 million this year, a reduction of 36% compared to 2007.
- The County has also focused efforts and investments on controlling insurance costs. Through a combination of safety initiatives, education, and aggressive claim management, the County has saved $8 million since 2009. A focus on employee well-being and wellness initiatives has had a similar impact on health insurance claims.
The County Board approved a balanced budget for fiscal year 2012 at its November meeting. The budget is almost $17 million less than the 2009 budget, as a result of budget cuts and efficiency measures implemented by the county board over the last several years. The $487.8 million budget funds more than 30 Lake County departments and divisions, including the eight county-wide elected offices.
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Where Does the Money Come From?
Only about 1/3 of our budget comes from property taxes. The rest comes from sales, income and business taxes, miscellaneous sources like grants, charges for services, (fees, like water bills), and from payments from other governments. Miscellaneous revenue includes fines, permits, interest income, and others.
It's important to point out that Lake County receives only 7% of your property tax dollar. The rest goes to other taxing bodies including: cities/villages, townships, and schools (which get the biggest piece - 68%). So, for a house that is valued at $250,000, only about $400 goes to Lake County government. |
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Where Does the Money Go?
The County's budget allocates funds for a multitude of different services, including: court functions, the jail, law enforcement, healthcare, elections, planning and economic development, transportation and public works, including infrastructure improvements for roadways, water and sewer, and much more.
The administration and internal service funds include areas that support the operations of county government, such as finance, human resources, information technology, the Corporate Capital Improvement Program, and more.
Only 1% of our budget is for payments on debt for capital projects.
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More Information
For more information on the budget, the public can visit the county's website. The entire budget is posted on the county's website at www.lakecountyil.gov.
Want to learn more about what Lake County does with your tax dollars? Watch this video. |
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North Shore Gas Provides Winter Safety Tips
"Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors, Have Appliances Checked"
Winter may be the coldest season and the busiest season as residents prepare for holiday cooking and shopping. It's also the season when North Shore Gas receives the highest number of carbon monoxide-related calls.
To help customers stay safe while using natural gas this winter, North Shore Gas has the following vital safety tips. The utility encourages everyone to help get the word out by passing them on.
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and tasteless gas and that can cause sickness and in some cases, death. Every year, especially during the winter months, we hear about residents becoming ill due to the possibility of breathing carbon monoxide fumes, or even dying from the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Carbon monoxide can come from inadequately burned fuel and improperly vented appliances, such as water heaters, furnaces, space heaters, boilers, ranges/stoves, clothes dryers, grills, fireplaces and portable generators. It's extremely important that residents have a working carbon monoxide (CO) detector as required by Illinois law in their homes and apartments. The presence of carbon monoxide detectors can save lives. Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed within 15 feet of sleeping areas. Batteries should be changed every six months to ensure they are working.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning may include:
- Sudden flu-like illness
- Dizziness, headaches, sleepiness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fluttering or throbbing heartbeat
- Cherry-red lips, unusually pale complexion
- Unconsciousness
If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, you should leave the premises immediately, get to a safe location and call 911 first, then the North Shore Gas emergency number at 1-866-556-6005. If your CO detector should sound an alert, and you are not experiencing symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning you should leave the premises immediately and contact your HVAC professional. For more information on CO safety, please visit www.northshoregasdelivery.com.
Residents should have their appliances inspected and/or repaired by a licensed or certified technician. Having an unqualified person connect, inspect or work on your appliances presents a safety hazard that not only puts your household at risk, but can pose a danger to your neighbors.
Whenever natural gas service has been disconnected, there are certain steps that must be taken before service may be restored. It is the customer's responsibility to make proper arrangements with his or her natural gas company for service reconnection. Recognize that tampering with natural gas services, meters or any other utility equipment can create a serious safety hazard and is illegal. Tampering with natural gas facilities can cause leaks and endanger not only those who tamper with the utility facilities, but also their neighbors and the community as well.
If you should come across any suspicious activity, including tampering, illegal hook-ups and/or the unauthorized moving of meters and service pipes, please call the North Shore Gas emergency number at 1-866-556-6005. Carbon Monoxide flyer. |
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Lake County Honors Veterans
In honor of Veterans Day, Lake County is paying special recognition to the men and women serving in the Armed Forces, along with their families, and the countless veterans who have served before them. In this video, members of the Lake County Health Department and Veterans Assistance Commission discuss the many services offered to Lake County veterans as well as the significance of honoring them on Veterans Day. |
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