|
A message from the Chairwoman...
 | |
Tina R. Hill
County Board
Chairwoman |
Dear McHenry County Resident:
For the third consecutive year, McHenry County Government was the recipient of a "Sunny Award", from the Sunshine Review Organization with an "A+" transparency grade. The "Sunny Award" is presented by the editors of the Sunshine Review to honor the most transparent government websites in America. The Sunshine Review Organization evaluates and rates state and local government transparency on a public body's website through a ten point checklist. The ten point checklist in which McHenry County met all of the criteria include: Budgets, Open Meeting Laws, Elected Officials, Administrative Officials, Building Permits and Zoning, Audits, Contracts, Lobbying, Public Records, and Taxes.
This year, McHenry County is one of only 247 government websites from across the country ranked by the Sunshine Review to earn a "Sunny Award". In addition to being only one of 247 government websites to earn a "Sunny Award", McHenry County is one of only seven counties in Illinois to have achieved this honor. Madison, Kane, DuPage, Champaign, Lake, and Will Counties were also recognized for their excellence in website transparency. Click here to view a full list of the "Sunny Award" winners.
Sincerely,
Tina R. Hill
County Board Chairwoman |
|
|
County Department Spotlight:
Regional Office of Education
Click here to learn about the McHenry County Regional Office of Education. |
|
McHenry County Voter Information
Visit the McHenry County Clerk's website for Election 2013 Information. Click here. |
|
Listen to County Board Meetings LIVE!
Do you want to listen to County Board meetings LIVE while they occur or an archived version after the fact? Click here to visit the McHenry County Meeting Portal where you can also find agendas and minutes from the McHenry County Board, its standing committees, and other County commissions/boards.
Listen to McHenry County Board meetings live on the first Tuesday of each month at 9:00 a.m. and on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. |
|
MCDH Update
Open Burning Restrictions, Alternatives
McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) reminds residents that year-round burning restrictions are in effect regarding the proper disposal of landscape waste on your property. Landscape waste consists of grass or shrubbery cuttings, leaves and tree limbs. The "McHenry County Public Health Ordinance: Open Burning of Landscape Waste" permits unincorporated residents to burn landscape waste on weekend days (Saturdays and Sundays) during April, May, October and November if the burn area meets the setback requirements of at least 100 feet from a school, business, church or house; 50 feet from a barn, shed or detached garage. Burning of any materials (e.g. cardboard, paper, plastics, construction materials) other than onsite-generated landscape waste is prohibited at all times.
Most municipalities have ordinances which restrict or prohibit the burning of yard waste. In areas where there is not a ban or more restrictive ordinance, the County ordinance, which is in effect year round, must be followed. Please be advised that an Illinois EPA, Bureau of Air, Application for Open Burning Permit is required for habitat reclamation burns regardless of acreage. For more information, please contact the Illinois EPA, Bureau of Air Permit Section at 217-782-2113.
MCDH encourages a more environmentally sound approach:
- Reduce/Reuse - Use a mulching mower for grass and leaves or a chipper for branches. Native landscaping will also reduce the need for yard waste.
- Recycle - Composting landscape waste can reduce material volume by 70 - 80% and act as a soil conditioner to improve plant growth.
Licensed municipal waste haulers in McHenry County are required to provide pick up of landscape waste from residential customers; an additional fee may apply. Some waste haulers contract with municipalities, neighbors and homeowner associations to provide collection of landscape waste. Residents are encouraged to work collectively with neighbors and associations for the most economical solution for their neighborhood.
Residents may also drop off landscape waste at a local facility that composts these materials into organic compounds for reuse. A listing of these services is available at www.mcdh.info, under Environmental Health, quick link - Open Burning, "other alternatives".
Communities with ordinances that meet or exceed County standards, as well as those with total bans on burning are also listed. Call local police or fire non-emergency number for enforcement of open burning issues. If reporting an emergency complaint that is life threatening or is a fire safety issue, call 911. Residents may also call the health department's after-hours phone number 815-344-7421 for assistance.
Complete details about the Ordinance, suggested alternatives, exemptions and permit applications are available online at the Department's webpage www.mcdh.info or by calling 815-334-4585.
"Life Smart for Women 2" offered by MCDH
McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) is offering a no-cost 7-week interactive educational program designed for women over 50 to foster healthy choices for a better quality of life. "Life Smart for Women 2" classes will be lead by MCDH's Lila Keller, BSN, RN at the Crystal Lake Senior Center, 110 West Woodstock Street (next to the Fire Station), beginning March 27 - May 8, from 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Pre-registration is required; Please call the Senior Center at 815-356-7457...Read More.
McHenry County Green Awards: Deadline is April 5
Are you currently involved with a waste reduction or recycling program? McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) would like you to submit a nomination for the 2013 McHenry County Green Awards. Established in 1994, the award recognizes the waste reduction, recycling and conservation efforts of businesses, institutions, organizations and residents in the County...Read More. |
|
MCDOT Update
Charles J. Miller Road
The Charles J. Miller Road project has been split into two phases. Phase 1 is from roughly a 1/4 mile east of Green Street to River Road. Over this winter, the new bridge that will carry the new westbound lanes will be built. The existing bridge will be used for the eastbound lanes.
For photos, project details and to sign up for email updates, Facebook and Twitter, visit the project website at: www.charlesmillerroad.com.
Concrete work on the new bridge has continued to progress as weather has allowed. The causeways from both shores are complete and work on the two center span piers is underway. Approximately 140-feet of the river in the center span will remain open to traffic throughout construction, including during the summer months when the concrete bridge deck will be poured.
Roadway construction is expected to start up the last two weeks of March, and minor repairs will be made on the 25-year old original bridge once the new bridge is open to traffic.
Walkup Road
The Walkup Road project is 80% complete and work is expected to resume around April 1. The project, originally scheduled for completion in 2012, was delayed by AT&T. Project completion is now scheduled for spring 2013. The final project includes: a new traffic signal at Mason Hill Road, a bicycle/pedestrian path linking Prairie Ridge High School to downtown Crystal Lake, a new wetland within Veteran Acres Park, replacement of aged water mains, and additional travel/turning lanes at Illinois Route 176 which will improve the operations and safety of the intersection.
For photos, project details and to sign up for email updates, Facebook and Twitter, visit the Walkup Road project website at: www.walkuproad.com.
Western Algonquin Bypass
Work Continues on the Western Algonquin Bypass project with an estimated completion date of summer 2014. Visit www.dot.il.gov/il31alg/index.html for more information.
MCDOT is on Facebook
In addition to project related Facebook pages, the MCDOT now has a Facebook page. Click here to "Like" the MCDOT to keep up to date on:
- Current projects during construction
- Upcoming public meetings for projects
- Other functions of the MCDOT |
|
NACo Rx Drug Card Program
Through the National Association of Counties (NACo), McHenry County is able to offer its residents a free prescription discount card. With Americans paying more for prescription drugs than ever before, County residents can save money on many of the prescriptions they purchase with this card.
The NACo Prescription Discount Card includes:
- Free Enrollment for County Residents
- Average savings of 20%
- No limits
- No age requirements
- No income requirements
- Family coverage
- Use it anytime your prescription is not covered by insurance
To obtain your card, visit one of the following locations:
McHenry County Administration Department
667 Ware Road, Woodstock
815-334-4298
McHenry County Department of Health
2200 N. Seminary Ave., Building A, Woodstock
815-334-4510
For more information, please use the following links:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Locate a Pharmacy
The NACo Website |
|
New Council of Mayors Website
The McHenry County Council of Mayors recently launched a new website: www.mchenrycountycom.org. The website will have information about the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), including federal funding programs and current road projects underway in McHenry County.
The Council of Mayors was created and authorized by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning Policy Committee for the purpose of:
- providing input into the region's transportation policy decisions
- facilitating communication between local governments and the regional transportation agencies
- establishing priorities for the local STP program and to implement programmed projects
When it was first formed in October 1965, the Council of Mayors was basically comprised of Cook and DuPage Counties. Now the Council of Mayors encompasses the boundaries of the "six plus" county Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) region (including McHenry County) and has 272 suburban municipalities.
These cities and villages are organized into eleven sub regional councils of mayors, which meet on locally determined schedules. Each of these sub regional councils appoints two mayors to serve on the regional Council of Mayors policy board, known as The Council of Mayors Executive Committee.
The Council of Mayors is generally thought of as the suburban component of the MPO. Indeed, it was originally formed for the purpose of gaining suburban input to complement input from the city of Chicago, the counties, and the other transportation providers and implementers that sit on the CMAP Policy and CMAP Board (the MPO's highest decision-making bodies). The mayor of Chicago is encouraged to be involved with the Council of Mayors Executive Committee. The Executive Committee agendas are sent to the city of Chicago. The participation of both Chicago and suburban local governments is essential component to developing a successful program. |
|
MCC Community Career Showcase
Community Career Exploration Showcase
Saturday, April 13, 2013
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Attend this FREE Career Exploration Event and experience demonstrations by local businesses and MCC educational divisions, highlighting industries such as:
- Manufacturing and Engineering/Robotics
- Culinary and Hospitality
- Health Professions
- Public Services
- Business
- Sustainability
- Special presentations on finding the right career for you
- Food
- Children's activities
- And more!
For more information, please click here.
**This event is hosted by McHenry County College, in partnership with all McHenry County School Districts, the McHenry County Economic Development Corporation and the Workforce Investment Board. |
|
Online Contest Launched to Raise Awareness of Weather Radios
On Feb. 29, 2012, a deadly tornado tore through the Southern Illinois communities of Harrisburg and Ridgway shortly before 5 a.m. With most people still sleeping, many didn't hear the outdoor warning sirens blaring or warnings issued on radio and TV stations.
Eight people lost their lives and more than 100 others were injured as a result of the tornado. Fortunately, some residents were awakened by alarms broadcasted over their weather alert radios and were able to seek shelter before the tornado hit...Read More. |
|
Court Acquires New Technology
Recently the Twenty Second Judicial Circuit of McHenry County purchased two Promethean Interactive Smart Boards for evidence presentation in the courtrooms.
These boards allows for PowerPoint, audio, video and document presentations. In addition, the presenter can interact with the board by manipulating the presentation using highlighting, circling and pinch zoom actions, all from the board. The boards are mobile, self contained and all necessary technology is integrated into the board. This allows all of the technology to be moved from courtroom to courtroom...Read More. |
HB 961 Protects Municipal Services to Residents
When Illinois first imposed a state income tax on residents in 1969, an agreement was made by legislators that, instead of allowing municipalities to impose a separate local income tax, the state would devote a portion of the state-collected income tax to local governments. This local portion of the income tax is essential to fund basic municipal services like police and fire protection, garbage collection, snow plowing, and much more.
Until 2011, 10% of all income tax collected was put into the state's Local Government Distributive Fund (LGDF). Starting on January 1, 2011, the state increased the income tax rate, but lowered the local portion to 6% in order to keep all the new revenue in the state budget. Revenue in the LGDF is periodically allocated to municipalities on a per capita basis.
Over the last few years, proposals have arisen to take some or all of this local portion of income tax revenue in order to help address the state's budget crisis. However, unlike cutting line item spending to decrease state expenses, this change would merely shift the burden for continuing state expenditures onto municipal taxpayers, who would then need to raise local taxes to pay for their basic municipal services, or see those services wane. Fortunately, legislators ultimately understood this issue and have not taken LGDF revenues away from local services.
One continuing problem, however, has been delays in issuing LGDF revenues to local governments. As the state receives tax payments from residents and businesses, the portion owed to municipalities grows. However, funds must be transferred from the state's General Revenue Fund into the LGDF before they can be distributed to cities and villages. By delaying this transfer, the state essentially "borrows" the money from municipalities, helping their own cash flow, but threatening the solvency of local governments. In recent years the delay has been as much as six months, creating significant problems for a number of local governments throughout the state.
This year, Representative Anthony DeLuca (D-Chicago Heights) had the vision to further protect municipal taxpayers by filing House Bill 961 to ensure timely distribution of LGDF funds to local governments. Commonly referred to as "LGDF Direct Deposit," this statutory change would require that the municipal portion of tax revenue be deposited immediately and directly into the LGDF, and then promptly paid to municipalities, without the need for intervening transfer, removing the opportunity to force a loan from the local governments to the state.
Thirty-three other Representatives, from both parties, joined Rep. DeLuca as additional sponsors to HB 961, including Representative Mike Tryon and Representative Barbara Wheeler from McHenry County. On March 21, the bill was approved by the House Revenue & Finance Committee by a unanimous vote. McHenry County applauds the initiative shown by Rep. DeLuca and all the bill's sponsors.
You can contact your Representative to encourage a "Yes" vote when this bill is brought to the House floor. It is important to let them know that you value the local services provided by these funds, and to encourage the state to address financial concerns by balancing their own budget, rather than looking to use the revenue taken from other levels of government. The bill now goes to the House floor for a vote by the full chamber. |
|
|
|
|
|
McHenry County Employment Opportunities
| | |
|
|
Follow us! |  | |
|
| Sign-up | |
Click here to sign-up for the McHenry County e-News and to view archived newsletters!
|
|
|
