Many Lake County residents have received their property assessments notices in the mail. The Lake County Chief County Assessment Office provides a number of resources and tools to assist with evaluating your assessment. 

Once you receive your assessment notice, it is important to review and evaluate your valuation. 

Follow these tips:

• Review all of the information on the assessment notice.
•  Visit assessor.lakecountyil.gov to review assessment information, including property characteristics, comparable property information, and the e-filing process.
• Discuss any questions on your assessment value or property information with your township assessor's office.
• If an assessment appeal is in order, prepare evidence by using the Lake County Comparable Grid at assessor.lakecountyil.gov, and other materials such as appraisals, or sales documents.
• Complete an assessment appeal form (by paper, or electronically using the e-filing system) and submit with supporting evidence to the Lake County Board of Review by the prescribed deadline (deadlines by Township, given in next box). 
• You can attend the hearing in person, by telephone, or submit case materials and ask the Board of Review to decide the case based on the evidence provided. This is the most efficient mode for an assessment appeal. Most cases can be resolved without in-person or telephone hearings - particularly cases based upon a recent purchase, or those based upon an appraisal provided by an Illinois licensed provider.
• If you have trouble with any of these steps, help is available. The property tax assessment process is complex and Lake County residents have several resources available to them as they navigate the process. 

A judge recently granted Lake County's request to halt the creation of an elections commission, giving the clerk the responsibility to plan the next election as the County continues to challenge this unconstitutional law. The County filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of a new law that creates an elections commission because it specifically singles out Lake County and eliminates voters' right to choose who administers elections. More Info.

Lake County purchases more than $186 million in goods and services each year including equipment, products, supplies, and services ranging from small to big purchases. In addition, the County spends millions of dollars on roads and buildings. For example, the County Board recently approved a $100 million Courthouse Expansion Project which includes construction of a new nine-story Criminal Court Tower in Waukegan. 

Lake County's new Buy Local. Build Local. Work Local. program aims to connect Lake County businesses-including women-owned and minority businesses-with government procurement opportunities. Lake County is hosting an informational seminar on bid opportunities for the Courthouse Expansion Project on Sept. 3 at 9 a.m. at the Greenbelt Cultural Center in North Chicago. Businesses are invited to attend this event and learn how to take advantage of opportunities to bid. 

For more information, visit LakeCountyCourthouseExpansion.com  

After a two month closure of the intersection of Monaville Road and Cedar Lake Road, a new modern roundabout opened on August 15, making the intersection safer and more efficient. 

This is the fourth roundabout intersection constructed by Lake County and we will continue to look for other opportunities in the future.  Modern roundabout intersections improve traffic flow by allowing traffic to yield rather than come to a complete stop at intersections and they improve safety by reducing the potential for the most serious types of traffic crashes. For more information, watch this video or visit the LCDOT roundabout website.  

Workforce Development Week: 5 Steps to Your Next Job
Join us August 26-30, as we celebrate Workforce Development Week. Each day, we'll take an in-depth look at "5 Steps to your Next Job", the job search process and offer helpful events and information along the way. Join the conversation on Social Media using #workforceweek.
Tell about your job search stories, find updates and exclusive online only resources. 
For more information visit their website.

Upcoming Job Fairs
August 22nd 10th District Job Fair: Ramada Inn, Waukegan
August 22nd Veteran and Diversity Fair: Ramada Inn, Waukegan
August 29th Employment Opportunities Fair: Zion Park District Leisure Center
September 12th Employment Expo: Round Lake Beach Cultural and Civic Center   

 Click here for a "Job Fair Tips" handout

Hawthorn  Woods Farmers Market

Every Friday until September 20, 2013 

3 p.m. - 7 p.m.  

Friday Concerts in the Park run in conjunction with the Farmers Market from 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. There is also the Park in the Park each Market Day, which offers a show of classic and vintage cars.

Little Bear RibFest

Century Park, 1001 Lakeview Parkway, Vernon Hills

Little Bear Ribfest is proud to have Real Urban Barbecue, Smokin T's Bar-B-Que, Sweet Baby Ray Barbecue, Uncle Bubs and The Full Slab as partners in this inaugural event. Each vendor will be cooking up special recipes for ribs, brisket, and more. Don't miss this 2-day rib event!  Visit their website.

Long Grove's Annual Fine Arts and Wine Festival

Saturday, August 24 & Sunday, August 25, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Long Grove Historic Village, Archer Municipal Lot near Fountain Square

Hike Lake County

Enjoy fall breezes and autumn colors while exploring designated Hike Lake County trails. At each preserve, look for the Hike Lake County signs at the trailhead to get you started on the right route. 

Complete just seven of the 13 hikes between August 15 and November 30, and earn a commemorative shield for your walking stick. Use this Travel Log to record each hike and submit them online. For more information, including mobile check in apps, visit their website. 

Buy a walking stick, dog collar, and other Forest Preserve Gear here.

Dear Neighbor, 

I hope you find this information helpful.  Please continue to ask questions and suggest topics for the e-newsletter. 

With so much going on at all levels of government, don't hesitate to contact me with your questions and concerns regarding this or other issues.  You can reach me via email or on my cell at (847) 971-0454.  

It is an honor to serve YOU on the County Board and Forest Preserve Board.

Sincerely,

Aaron Lawlor

P.S.  If this email was forwarded to you, please click here to sign up so I can get you information directly - especially in the case of a road closure, weather emergency or other issues.