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. 

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 this video about the recyclables that may be hiding in your home.

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.  

If you have any comments or concerns, please contact me at: dhewitt@lakecountyil.gov or 847-244-2742.

Thank you,

Diane Hewitt

 Click here to Join my Mailing List!

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

Click on item # 95 for budget discussion

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 ¼ 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.  

November 15 was the Great American Smokeout, 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.

Black Friday. Small Business Saturday. Cyber Monday. All of these days kick off holiday spending, but what about giving gifts that really matter? "Giving Tuesday" is a new campaign to create a national day of giving at the start of the annual holiday season. It celebrates and encourages charitable activities that support nonprofit organizations.

"Giving Tuesday" will be on November 27, and United Way of Lake County has developed an online Gift Giving Catalog. It allows people to easily give gifts that help children in Lake County succeed. It's a wonderful way to make the season more meaningful while preparing our children to succeed in a changing world.