Lake County News -- Diane Hewitt, District 2
Lake County's Financial Strength

 

Lake County receives revenue from various sources, including property taxes (31 percent, or one-third of our budget), as well as fines, permits, interest income (20 percent), payments from other governments (16 percent), sales, income and business taxes (16 percent), and charges for services, like water bills (17 percent).

 

Over the last several years, Lake County experienced declines in revenues due to the economic downturn, as well as cuts in state funding. The County made cuts and adjustments to balance the budget. The current year 2012 budget is $20 million less than the 2009 budget.

 

The County reduced head count by holding vacancies and eliminating some positions due to decreased workload, and to attain operational efficiencies. As a result, Lake County saved nearly $50 million cumulatively in salary expenses (2009-2011). The County also invested in energy saving technology and practices resulting in a cumulative savings of $7 million.

 

Lake County receives only 7 percent of your property tax dollar. The rest goes to other taxing bodies, including cities and villages, townships, and schools (which get the biggest piece - 68 percent).

 

Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns at 847.244.2742. You can also join my mailing list or email me at [email protected]. 

August 23, 2012
In This Issue
Lake County's Financial Strength
Reviewing Your Assessment
West Nile Update
Russell Road Closure
United Way Book Drive
Upcoming Forest Preserves Events
Upcoming Community Events

 

If you have any comments or concerns, please contact me at: [email protected] or 847-244-2742.

 

Thank you,

Diane Hewitt

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How to Review Your Property Assessment Value

 

Property owners receive their assessment notices this time of year, and it's important that they carefully review and understand this information.

 

Reasons a taxpayer should review his assessment: 

  • You recently purchased your property.
  • You recently had your property appraised.
  • The assessment is greater than one-third of the property's market value based on sales in your area.
  • The assessment is higher than the assessment of properties comparable to yours.
  • You have had a successful appeal in 2011 and you want to make sure that value has been maintained.

 

Evidence You Will Need

  • Recent purchase of property: A 2011 or 2012 sale for the Board of Review to consider as evidence of fair cash value for January 1, 2012. Includes the statement or HUD-1 from your closing, along with both the MLS closed listing sheet and full property history or the PTAX-203 transfer declaration.
  • Appraisal: A recent real estate appraisal (from a state licensed appraiser) that you would like the Board of Review to consider as evidence of fair cash value for January 1, 2012.
  • Recent sales comparables: Use the Lake County Comparable Property Grid and select recent sales of like properties. In performing your comparable search, be sure to look for properties that are similar to yours.
  • Equity of assessment comparables: Use the Lake County Comparable Property Grid and select comparable properties and their assessment valuations. In performing your comparable search, be sure to look for properties that are similar to yours.

 

The Process:

  • Review your assessment notice, check out the data on your property using the county's website (www.lakecountyil.gov/assessor), or attend a tax assessment help center if needed.
  • Discuss the assessment with your township assessor's office.
  • Determine if you need to file an assessment appeal with the Board of Review, utilizing the Comparable Search tools on the county website.
  • File a written appeal with the Board of Review by your final filing date for your township.
  • Present evidence of a more appropriate assessment to the Board of Review at the hearing.

 

All appeals must be filed on or before 30 days after the date of publication of the current year assessments. The filing deadline for each township is posted on the Lake County Board of Review's website.

 

Visit the Chief County Assessment Office's website for more information, or call or call 847.377.2050.

 

First Human Case of West Nile in Lake County Since 2010

 

mosquito

The Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center reports that a 68-year-old male resident of Buffalo Grove (the Lake County side) tested positive for West Nile encephalitis. He was hospitalized and discharged. This is the county's first human West Nile virus case since 2010.

 

In addition to the human case, 52 batches of mosquitoes and three birds have tested positive for West Nile virus in Lake County this year.

 

Culex mosquitoes, the mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus, tend to thrive in dry conditions. Reduce your risk by reducing your exposure to mosquitoes, wearing insect repellent and reporting areas where mosquitoes typically breed. 

 

Alert the county to areas of stagnant water and get more information on the signs and symptoms of West Nile encephalitis by calling the Health Department's West Nile virus hotline at 847.377.8300.

 

For more information, read the Lake County Health Department's full press release.

Russell Road Bridge Closed

 

Russell Road map

IDOT has closed the Russell Road Bridge for reconstruction, and the scheduled completion date of the project is December 19. The southbound I-94 exit ramp at Russell Road will remain open for the duration of the project, but unfortunately, the northbound I-94 exit ramp at Russell Road will be closing in two weeks and will remain closed for the duration of the project.

 

A temporary traffic signal on the I-94 bridge on IL-173 will be used. The detour signs for traffic for the businesses at Russell Road and Old 41 also will be posted on I-94 and U.S. Highway 41.

 

The detour route for those areas east of I-94 along Russell Road will be IL-173 to Kilbourne Road, north to Russell Road.

 
United Way of Lake County Collecting Books for Low-Income Children

 

Page it Forward photo
Ethan and Srah Nielander of Gurnee are collecting books for the drive.

United Way of Lake County assessment found that 76 percent of 6-year-olds in Waukegan had little knowledge of books. Now the organization is aiming to collect 200,000 books for low-income children in Lake County through its Page it Forward 2.0 book drive.

 

Through Sept. 11, new and gently used books can be donated at 50 locations throughout Lake County, including First Midwest Bank locations, freestanding Starbucks locations, and local farmers markets and park districts. View the full list of locations.

 

Ethan and Sarah Nielander, a brother-sister team from Gurnee, set out to collect 500 books for their mitzvah project.  "We love reading, and it is always going to be important in every aspect of your life. That's why we wanted to do a project within our community and make an impact," said Sarah. "We shouldn't take all the things we have for granted, like books," added Ethan.  

 

Upcoming Forest Preserves Events

LCFPD logo  

Like to Hike? Take the Hike Lake County Challenge

Walking is one of the easiest ways to add activity to your routine and your Lake County Forest Preserves provide the perfect setting. Enjoy fall breezes and autumn colors while exploring designated Hike Lake County trails in scenic forest preserves throughout Lake County. At each preserve, look for Hike Lake County signs at the trailhead to get you started on the right route. Complete just seven of the 12 designated hikes by November 30 and earn a free commemorative shield for your walking stick. Each year features new trails and a colorful new shield. Get started.

 

Discovery Museum Participates in Blue Star Program

The Lake County Discovery Museum in Wauconda is offering free admission to all active duty military personnel and their families through Labor Day, September 5, as part of the Blue Star Museum program, a partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, and more than 1,300 museums across America. View a map and list of other participating museumsThe free admission program is available to any bearer of a Geneva Convention Common Access Card (CAC), a DD Form 1173, or a DD Form 1173-1, which includes active duty military (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard), National Guard and Reserve members, and up to five immediate family members. Present your ID card at the Lake County Discovery Museum front desk to receive free admission.

 

Free Habitat Walks for Seniors

Explore many of the different habitats of Lake County, learning as you walk. These free nature walks are designed for senior citizens and paced to the group's ability. Nan Buckardt, Director of Environmental Education and Public Affairs for the Lake County Forest Preserves, will lead the upcoming September 19 walk from 9 to 10 a.m., at Grant Woods in Lake Villa. For details, call 847.968.3321.

 

Community Campfire Friday Nights

Gather around the campfire with family and friends and experience nature at night. Roast marshmallows, share nature stories, and sing songs. Bring a musical instrument to play and a blanket or chair to sit on. Campfire nights are free and open to all ages. View upcoming Community Campfire Friday Nights.

 

Progress Update

Thanks to your support, the Lake County Forest Preserves continues to protect some of our most important natural areas, maintain nearly 160 miles of trails, and restore many acres of habitat for Lake County's native plants and animals. Read the progress update to learn more about recent achievements.

 

Walk with a Naturalist

9-10 a.m. September 1, MacArthur Woods (Mettawa). One-hour guided nature hike. Explore a new preserve each month. Adults. $1 for residents, $2 for nonresidents. No registration required.

 

Dragons of Lake County

2-3 p.m. September 2, Wright Woods. These delicate, double-winged "dragons" are good for our environment-they're dragonflies and damselflies. Adults, families with children ages 5 and up. $5 adults/$1 children residents, $7 adult/$2 children nonresidents. Registration required by September 1. Register online, by telephone at 847.968.3321 or by mail or fax using this form.

 

Turtle Tales - Whoooo Lives in the Dark?

10-10:30 a.m. August 24, Greenbelt Cultural Center, North Chicago. Join us for a free story time with movement, songs and surprises. Stories are open to all children with an adult, but are focused on the pre-school age child. Stay and play after the program. For updates outside of normal business hours, call 847.968.3113. All ages, free. No registration required.

 

Outdoor Environmental Film Festival

August 25, Edward L. Ryerson Conservation Area (Riverwoods). Bring a picnic dinner and enjoy a selection of films under the stars on the lawn of Brushwood. The evening will begin with a guided gallery tour of the Genius Loci: Listening to Nature's Muse group art exhibition at Brushwood, followed by a screening of films inspired by the theme "Lessons from the Prairie." Acclaimed films will explore ways that human society can learn from the prairie ecosystem in particular, and nature broadly speaking.  Gallery tour at 7 p.m., films begins at 7:30 p.m. In case of rain, films will be shown in the Welcome Center. $15 public, $10 Friends of Ryerson Woods members. To register with a membership discount, call 847.968.3321.

 

Little Sprouts, Excellent Adventures

Join us down on the farm for fun and frolicking, select Wednesdays, June through October. We'll learn all about life on the farm, animals, and where our food comes from. Get to know other families while kids enjoy stories, hands-on activities and simple crafts. This special program is for kids ages 2 to 5 and their caregivers. Take a closer look at the inside of an egg and the cute creatures that hatch out. 10-11 a.m. August 29, Bonner Heritage Farm. Ages 2-5, $3 per child residents, $5 per child nonresidents, 3 or younger free. Register by August 28 using this form or register online.

 

Twilight Paddle - Moonlit

6:45-8:45 p.m. August 29, Van Patten Woods (Wadsworth), Sterling Lake Boat Launch. Enjoy the unique experience of paddling in the twilight hours as a naturalist guides you on the water. Paddling experience is required. Equipment provided or you may bring your own canoe/kayak. For updates outside of normal business hours, call 847.968.3113. Ages 12 and up, $23 per child or adult residents, $32 per child or adult nonresidents. Register by August 28 using this form or register online.

 

Upcoming Community Events

 

Waukegan Library Courtyard Concert

Noon, August 24
Waukegan Public Library, 128 N. County St. 

This week's concert will feature Downhome Sophisticates. More info.

 

Veteran Workshop

9 a.m. to noon August 29

College of Lake County, 800 Lancer Lane, Grayslake, Technical Building Room T326

Veteran's Workshop focusing on federal employment. Learn how to effectively apply for federal positions. Call 847.543.7481 for details. More info.

 

Job Center Open House

3-5 p.m. August 30

Waukegan Job Center, 1 N. Genesee Street, Waukegan

As part of the celebration of Workforce Development Week, the Lake County Job Center will host an Open House. More info.

 

Waukegan Library Courtyard Concert

Noon, August 31
Waukegan Public Library, 128 N. County St. 

This week's concert will feature Barry White & Friends. More info.

 

Waukegan Air Show

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. September 8

Waukegan Airport, 3580 McAree Road, Waukegan

The Royal Canadian Snowbirds will be featured. More info.

 

4th annual Employment Expo & Workshops

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. September 13

Round Lake Beach Cultural & Civic Center, 2007 Civic Center Way, Round Lake Beach

The Village of Round Lake Beach, Round Lake Area Chamber and Job Center of Lake County are hosting a complimentary Employment Expo for businesses and job seekers to enhance employment opportunities for everyone. More info.

 

ArtWauk 
5-10 p.m. September 15

Genesee Arts District, 108 S. Genesee St., Waukegan 
More info.