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County Board Approves Balanced Budget
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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 �-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.
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Deadline to Seek Office in 2013
The clock is ticking for those interested in serving in local government.
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
Of 408,408 registered voters, 70.32% turned out during combined early voting, voting by mail and on Election Day. Late-arriving and provisional ballots increased turnout to 71.18%. The busiest early voting site was Vernon Township, with 4,717 voters. The North Shore Health Center in Highland Park was a close second with 4,196 voters. The extension of Grace Registration until the Saturday before the election netted an additional 2,213 voters. Well-organized get out the vote efforts in early voting and voting by mail changed the outcome of Election Day tallies in a number of races.
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Lake County Partners Focus on Business
Lake County is a great place to live, and an equally good place to do business. Lake County Partners is transforming economic opportunities into business realities by facilitating public/private collaboration to improve the business climate in the region. Lake County Partners puts a focus on attracting, retaining and expanding companies, advocating for infrastructure improvements, and other initiatives that bolster success. Watch this video of the 2012 Lake County Partners Annual Meeting to learn more about they are doing for Lake County.
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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. Watch this Career Chat to learn about keeping the job search going through the holidays.
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Twelve Ways to Go Green for the Holidays
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.
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Tobacco Free Lake County Helps Smokers Quit
T he 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.
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Upcoming Community Events
Barnes & Noble Book Fair
Nov. 29, 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Hawthorne Mall, Vernon Hills
The book fair will benefit Lake County Discovery Museum. Present the coupon at right with purchases.
Schedule of events: 10 a.m. to noon, Children's Victorian Christmas Crafts with Discovery Museum Educators; 11 a.m., Children's Storytime with Discovery Museum Director reading selections from Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol; 1 to 3 p.m., Children's Victorian Christmas Crafts with Discovery Museum Educators; 4 p.m., Victorian Tea Tasting & Scones in the Caf�; 6 to 7 p.m., Costumed 19th Century Devil Stick Juggler; 6 to 7:30 p.m., 19th Century Gentleman - Costumed Actor from Improv Playhouse; 7 p.m., Caf� Chat by Dickens Scholar Peter Ponzio; 7:30 p.m., Christmas Music Performed by Vernon Hills High School Chamber Choir; 8 p.m., Adult Reading by Discovery Museum Director, Stave I of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol"; 4 to 9:30 p.m., gift wrapping.
Holiday Craft Activity
Dec.1, 8, and 15, 1-3 p.m.
Deer Park Town Center, 20530 N. Rand Road, Deer Park
Visit Brilliant Sky Toys & Books and create a holiday craft with your child. It's free to participate while supplies last, and a parent or guardian must be present.
Sounds of the Season
Deer Park Town Center, 20530 N. Rand Road, Deer Park
Dec.1, noon to 2 p.m.
Enjoy a performance by St. Viator High School (noon to 1 p.m.), followed by a performance by Palatine Children's Chorus (1-2 p.m.).
Barrington Aglow
Dec. 1, 1-6:30 p.m.
Downtown Barrington
Experience the beauty and warm glow of Barrington as the Village lights up the town for the holidays. Delight in an evening of holiday cheer with free carriage rides, madrigal singers and Santa's arrival to light Barrington's holiday tree. Then stay and visit with Santa. More info.
Lunch with Santa
Dec. 1, 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
Barrington Park District Fitness and Recreation Center
235 Lions Drive, Barrington
Every little one wants the chance to tell Santa their Christmas wished. Come to the Barrington Park District and enjoy lunch with Santa. Pre-registration required Fee: In-district $7 per child, $9 per adult Out of District is $9/child and $11 /adult. More info.
Hawthorn Woods Tree Lighting Ceremony
Dec. 7, 6 p.m.
Hawthorn Woods Village Hall
2 Lagoon Dr., Hawthorne Woods
Kick off the holiday season with the Annual Hawthorn Woods Tree Lighting at Village Hall, and then come meet Santa Claus, enjoy the lighting of the village evergreen tree, juice and cookies and holiday tunes by local choirs. More info.
Breakfast with Santa
Dec. 8, 8 a.m.
Deer Park Town Center, 20530 N. Rand Road, Deer Park
Join us for a hot breakfast buffet with Santa. Reservations at Biaggi's beginning at 8 a.m.. Call 847.438.1850. $5 donation for adults, $3 donation for children 10 and under. Donations benefit Women in Need Growing Stronger (W.I.N.G.S.). Pick up a gift tag from the W.I.N.G.S. giving tree at Biaggi's and donate a gift to a family in need.
An Evening With Santa
Dec. 10-11, 7-8:30 p.m.
The Barn at Paulus Park, 200 S. Rand Road, Lake Zurich
This special evening with Santa is sure to be a memorable event for all children! Bring the whole family to spend time with Santa. Enjoy a delicious dessert with ice cream, make holiday crafts, tell Santa if you've been good or not and receive a special surprise from Mr. Claus. More info.
Storytime with Mrs. Claus
Dec. 15, 11 a.m. to noon
Barnes & Noble, Deer Park Town Center, 20530 N. Rand Road, Deer Park
Join Mrs. Claus as she spreads holiday cheer.
Sounds of the Season
Dec. 15, noon to 2 p.m.
Deer Park Town Center, 20530 N. Rand Road, Deer Park
Enjoy a performance by The Madrigals of Barrington High School.
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.
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Forest Preserves News
Take an Evening Hike
Along Solar Lighted Trails
With small solar lights to guide their way, hikers, skiers and snowshoers can now get some brisk evening exercise at
Old School Forest Preserve in Libertyville, and along a hilly, scenic section of the Millennium Trail adjacent to the Winter Sports Area at Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda.
Though regular preserve hours are 6:30 a.m. to sunset, the illuminated trails and adjacent parking lots will remain open after sunset until 9 p.m., daily through March 9. Bicycle and equestrian traffic is not permitted on the lighted trails after sunset. Dogs are allowed but must be leashed.
To access the lighted trails, park at Lakewood's Winter Sports Area, located on the east side of Fairfield Road just south of Route 176, or at Old School's main entrance lot, located on the east side of St. Mary's Road just south of Route 176. Lake County Forest Preserve Rangers regularly patrol the areas.
Registration now open for 2013 Summer Camps
Sneak some learning into your child's summer adventures. Lake County Forest Preserves' Summer Camps meet the summer wishes of kids and parents alike.
Registration for the 2013 camp season is now open with early bird discounts available through Feb. 15, 2013. Programs fill quickly so enroll early.
Choose a topic and age group that suits your child. Camps are offered for ages four through 15. Choose from nature exploration, fun on the farm, fishing, canoeing and kayaking, history, theatre, or arts and crafts. Four new camp topics have been added to the camp calendar, including animal tracking, dinosaurs, restoration and a special camp for families.
Browse all available camps and register online, or call 847.968.3321 for details and to request a free camp brochure.
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As always, I'm looking for ways to improve the content of this newsletter and continue to look to you for suggestions/ideas. Let me know what you'd like covered and I'll do what I can to incorporate it in future issues. Also, if you know of events or news of interest concerning our area, I'd appreciate you letting me know about it so we can share it with our fellow residents.
Please forward this e-newsletter to anyone you feel may benefit from its content. By helping me get the word out in this manner, you're also helping me go green! Thank you!
Should you need to contact me, my contact information follows:
Home phone: 847-438-2961
Cell phone: 224-805-6027
[email protected]
I consider it an honor and privilege to serve you!
Please stay safe!
Thanks,
Craig
Lake County Board Member & Lake County Forest Preserve Commissioner
District 19 Representative
Serving Hawthorn Woods, Kildeer, Lake Zurich, and Long Grove.
Beginning in 2013, District 19 includes Deer Park and Barrington.
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