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Board Action
Board Meeting: November 20, 2012
  
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Lake County Edition

  November 2012  

  

 
County Board Approves 2013 Balanced Budget 
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 Action
Click on Item # 95 for budget discussion
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 one-third 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 � 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.  
 
Visit the county's website for more budget information, including where the money comes from and where it goes.  

    

Lake County Board Approves Court Expansion Project

Administering the criminal justice system is one of the primary functions of county government. Lake County's growing population has placed a huge demand on the court system, and the County currently has a shortage of courtrooms and facility constraints to meet this demand. 

Board Action
Click on item #79 for discussion

After studying this issue for several years, the County Board approved an extensive courts expansion project that includes operational enhancements and adding new courtrooms. These changes will meet the system's growing demands and postpone the need for additional jail beds through the year 2030 and beyond, as well as provide for more efficient delivery of justice.  

  

The court expansion project includes:

* Criminal Courts Tower:  A new 9-story, approximately 215,000 sq. ft. building with 17 new courtrooms and space for three future courtrooms located on the southwest corner of County and Washington streets.

* Washington Street Tunnel:  Construct a tunnel connecting the jail and court to provide secure and efficient in-custody transfers from the jail to the court, and ensure public separation of detainees in elevator and corridor space within the court complex.

* Remodeling of Babcox Court (current court complex) and Jail Intake, Booking and Kitchen

  

This project is part of a larger $120 million capital improvement plan that also includes improvements to the Vernon Hills Juvenile Justice Center and completing renovations to the County Administrative Tower, including an energy retrofit.

  

The County planned and saved for this project, and will pay for it using one-third cash, or $34 million, and borrow (bond) approximately $90 million keeping Lake County's overall debt extremely low. The full amount of the bond payment is in the 2013 budget.

  

Since early 2008, Lake County has been exploring options for addressing the criminal justice system and facilities in the most efficient and fiscally responsible way.  A judicial facilities committee, appointed by the county board, recommended this multi-year plan, along with several operational enhancements, which have been implemented.

  

For more information on this project, visit this website.



 

Lake County Veterans' Stories Recorded

The stories of 14 combat war veterans from Lake County will soon be part of the Library of Congress' Veterans History Project. The project collects first-hand accounts of veterans from World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War, and those that served in Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as collecting personal items such as copies of diaries and letters. Official court reporters from the 19th Judicial Circuit produced transcripts of interviews with Lake County veterans, and their stories will be archived at the Library of Congress. 

 

In this video, multiple World War II veterans discuss the significance of the project and give details of their experience in the war.
 
County Employee Donates Quilt to Veterans Assistance Commission
When Peggy Williams' quilters' guild challenged members to make a quilt for charity, she knew exactly where the military-themed quilt should go. At the time, the Lake County Recorder of Deeds employee was on a work assignment at the Veterans Assistance Commission offices, and she envisioned her group's project hanging on the walls at the VAC. It was a perfect fit for the new lounge at the VAC where veterans can relax, talk to other vets, watch TV and use computers. Watch video.

The Veterans Assistance Commission provides free help to veterans filing claims with the Veterans Administration and can help with issues such as debt management, education and changing discharge status. The VAC also provides transportation to the James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center for medical appointments.
 
It's A Wonderful Time Of The Year (For Continuing Your Job Search)
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.

In this Career Chat, learn about keeping the job search going through the holidays.


 

 
First Public Meeting Planned for Aptakisic Road Improvements   
The Lake County Division of Transportation has recently initiated a
Phase 1 Preliminary Engineering and Environmental Study to consider improvements to Aptakisic Road between Illinois Route 83 and Buffalo Grove Road. Attend the Open House to learn more. 
Date: November 28
Time: 5 -7 p.m. 
Location: Twin Groves Middle School 
(2600 N. Buffalo Grove Road, Buffalo Grove) 
 
 
Pace Makes Student Commuting More Affordable

Pace offers options to help reduce the price of commuting to and from class.

 

For $30 a month, the Student Haul Pass allows students ages 12-20 unlimited rides on Pace's fixed-route and Call-n-Ride services (not valid on CTA or Metra) any time, including weekends and holidays, from September through May.

 

For college students, the $175 Campus Connection offers unlimited rides on Pace's fixed-route and Call-n-Ride services (not valid on CTA or Metra), every day of the week, any time of the day, all semester long (mid-August through December or January through May). It can also be purchased at any point during the semester at a prorated price.

 

Students presenting either pass on premium routes must pay the cash difference between fares.

 

For more information, visit Pace's website or contact Tim Dilsaver at 847.228.4282 or by email.
  
 

Healthy Lake County

In this month's program you can learn how to have a safe holiday

 when handling food, how to manage eating during the holidays when you have diabetes, and how returning military personnel and their families can receive help through a Health Department program.

 

Celebrate Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are in season and an easy fix at any meal, not just for the holidays. In this video, learn about the nutritional benefits and preparation ideas for this terrific tuber in the Nutrition Tip of the Month. You may also want to try this slow cooker recipe for Sweet Potato Stew.

  

Stand Against Stigma - World AIDS Day
The Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center is joining several community partners on December 1 to provide an inspirational bilingual program marking World AIDS Day. The local campaign is focused on erasing the stigma often associated with HIV/AIDS.

 

Before you go to throw, think Recycle First, Trash Last 

The good news is that we're able to recycle  more items than ever, from every room in your house. The items that are recyclable may surprise you, and it's so easy your dog can help. Watch video.

 

For more information on recycling and what you can and can't recycle here in Lake County visit www.recyclefirsttrashlast.org. For additional recycling opportunities and programs visit www.swalco.org

  

Recycle Your Aluminum Cans
Americans recycle only about half of our aluminum cans. Find out how
much good you can do by tossing that soda can in the recycling bin instead of the garbage can. Watch Video

Visit the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County's website to learn more about recycling.