I am honored to serve as the Lake County Board Chairman for the next two years. I was elected to the board in 2009 representing District 18 (Vernon Hills and Indian Creek, and portions of Hawthorn Woods, Long Grove, and unincorporated Lake County). Since then, I have served as chair of the Health and Community Services Committee, vice-chair of the Planning, Building and Zoning Committee, and I also have served on the Finance and Administrative Committee, and Law and Judicial Committee.
The County Board has a solid track record of being fiscally conservative and financially responsible. I’m proud of our recent action to freeze the property tax levy for the 2013 budget, providing some relief to property taxpayers. 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 keep in mind that Lake County receives only 7% of the property tax bill. Learn more).
Many of you have had to cut back on your budget over the last few years due to the economic downturn, and so have we. The 2013 budget is $2.6 million less than last year’s budget and $19.4 million less than it was in 2009 (prior to the recession). Lake County also continues to maintain AAA bond rating —the highest credit rating possible — from both Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s.
You can look at our budget in its entirety on this website, along with other financial information and public records, videos of all county board meetings, as well as other videos about county services, and much more. Check out our Transparency/OpenGov web page.
Our website ranks among the most transparent government websites in America according to “Sunshine Review,” a non-profit organization dedicated to government transparency. Lake County received two "Sunny Awards" and an "A+" transparency grade for its website the last two years.
E-newsletters have become a great tool for us to stay connected with residents. I and other board members send out regular e-news with transportation information, emergency alerts, and other county and community news. Sign up here.
One of my goals as chairman is to continue to build on our transparency efforts, as well as improve efficiency by enhancing our on-line services so that we can make it easier for residents and customers to access and interact with county government.
As chairman, I will also focus on advancing the Route 53 Extension Project. This project is critical not only for addressing traffic congestion in Lake County, but also for economic growth.
It’s a pleasure serving as your county board chairman. Please contact me with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Aaron LawlorLake County Board ChairmanPhone: 847.377.2300Cell: 847-971-0454ALawlor@lakecountyil.gov