Click on Item # 95 for budget discussion.

The County Board approved a balanced budget for fiscal year 2013 that is $2.6 million less than last year's budget, and $19.4 million less than it was in 2009 (prior to the recession).

In an effort to reduce the tax burden on property taxpayers, the County Board voted to freeze the property tax levy for existing properties. What that means is that under state law, local governments can levy the same as the previous year, plus the CPI (consumer price index), or 5%, whichever is less. The Board could have increased the tax levy by 3% (this year's CPI, or $4.4 million), but voted to not take that amount. It's important to remember though that Lake County's portion of the tax bill is only 7%. The rest goes to other taxing bodies including: cities/villages, townships, and schools (which get the biggest piece, 68%). 

The Lake County Board adheres to strong budget policies that have allowed the County to manage challenging times, maintain fiscal stability and help protect the long-term fiscal health of the County. For example, the County has implemented efficiencies and new technology that helped cut personnel costs (the biggest piece of the budget).

Lake County has also wisely invested in its infrastructure, both physical and technological, saving and planning for big projects in order to preserve these critical assets for the long-term.

For example, the 2013 budget provides funding for the courts expansion project, which includes adding new courtrooms and renovating existing courtrooms to address a space shortage, meet increased demand for the next several decades, and allow for more efficient delivery of justice.

The County has saved for this and is paying for the project using about 30% cash, and bonding the rest. The full amount of the bond payment is in the 2013 budget. Borrowing less provides a significant savings over the long-term and keeps debt service to less than 3% of the total budget.

Several years ago, the County Board made a commitment to invest in our transportation infrastructure dedicating the full ¼-cent sales tax to improving transportation, consistent with the County Board's strategic goal to improve our transportation system. Over the next five years, the County Board will spend $557 million toward transportation.

Also, the County's investment in energy conservation is producing positive results. The County's utility budget is down by $1.3 million from last year.

Lake County continues to maintain AAA bond rating - the highest credit rating possible - from both Standard & Poor's and Moody's. This is an indication of the County Board's strong track record of fiscal responsibility.

Elections for all local governments will be in April 2013, but the time to circulate nominating petitions to appear on the April ballot is now.

Courtesy petition packets prepared by the Lake County Clerk's office are available at each village, township, school, library, park district and community college. Information about running for Regional Board of School Trustee is available at the County Clerk's office.

For more information about the April Consolidated Elections, visit the Lake County Clerk's website or call Elections Administrator Cindy Pagano at 847.377.2309.

2012 Post-Election Facts

The Lake County Division of Transportation works hard to maintain over 300 miles of roadway and 50 miles of bike path. In this episode of County Update, Paula Trigg, the director of the Division of Transportation, discusses current and upcoming transportation projects and walks us through the planning, design, and construction phases. Also learn more about the innovative solutions that LCDOT has developed for congestion, including roundabouts and Lake County Passage. 

Watch now. 

If you are thinking about postponing your job search during the holiday season, think again. Many employers are thinking ahead into the New Year. Job hunters who double their search efforts during the holidays take advantage of standing out when others have stopped looking, and ensure they do not risk falling off an employer's radar screen.

Director EMS, Vista Health System, Chicago

Regulatory Affairs Opportunities, Abbott Laboratories, Lake County

Outside Sales Rep Manager Trainee, W.C.R., Schaumburg

Outside Sales Construction, Creative Construction Group, Inc., Crystal Lake

Family Nurse Practitioner/Physician Assistant, HealtheACCESS Clinics LLC, Valparaiso, Ind.

Occupational Therapist, Cost per Call, Home Health, Lake Zurich Service Territory, Advocate Health, Lake Zurich

Cisco Network Security Engineer, Equivoice, Chicago

Speech Language Pathologist, FirstCare Consulting, Porter, Ind.

Hospice Director of Business Development, Comfort Hospice, Chicago

Pediatric General Physician, Kendall & Davis, Chicago

Have you thought about how your holiday celebrations will affect the environment? From using LED lights to giving rechargeable batteries with your gifts, the tips in this video will help you go green for the holidays.

Watch now.  

The Great American Smokeout was on Nov. 15, but it's never too late to be a quitter. Quitting smoking is hard, but with help, smokers can increase their chances of success. Here are the stories of two Lake County residents, Christine and Paul, who, with the help of the Lake County Health Department's "Tobacco Free Lake County" program, have become smoke free.

Watch now.

Long Grove's Holiday Festivities

Through Dec. 31

Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Long Grove Historic Village, Downtown Long Grove

The magic of the holiday season continues through Dec. 31 with a full schedule of family-friendly activities. Shop till you drop, enjoy an old-fashioned horse drawn carriage ride Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m., visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy plenty of live holiday entertainment and share a delicious holiday meal with friends, family or business associates at one of Long Grove's signature restaurants. More info.