Automatic Renewals for Senior Freeze, Disabled Persons and Disabled Veterans Homestead Exemptions

Residents who in 2019 applied for and received the Senior Citizen Freeze Homestead Exemption, Homestead Exemption for Persons with Disabilities, and Standard Homestead Exemption for Veterans With Disabilities will not be required to re-apply in 2020.

Property Tax Relief

There are homestead exemptions for Seniors, Veterans, and Disabled Persons, and a General Homestead Exemption that most owner occupied residences can receive. For eligibility requirements and forms please visit our Tax Relief page. 

Reapertura limitada de la oficina de la Secretaria del Condado de Lake programada para el 6 de julio

Procedimientos para ingresar a los edificios del Condado de Lake

A partir del 1º de junio del 2020, cualquier persona que ingrese a los edificios del condado deberá utilizar una cubierta protectora para la cara. Usted deberá ...

La primavera esta aquí y los vendedores de puerta en puerta también

Los vendedores de puerta en puerta que trabajan en áreas no incorporadas del Condado de Lake deben registrarse con la oficina de la Secretaria del Condado de Lake y portar un certificado de solicitante durante su jornada laboral.

Si un vendedor ...

Lake County Clerk's Limited Reopening on July 6, 2020

Procedures for Entering Lake County Buildings

As of June 1, 2020, face coverings are required for anyone entering the County buildings. You must bring own face covering.

Social Distancing Requirements

• Customer Service lines – Families/partners may ...

Warm weather is here. So are door-to-door salespeople.

Door-to-door sales people working in unincorporated Lake County must register with the Lake County Clerk’s office and carry a solicitor’s certificate while on the job.

If a solicitor comes to your door, ask to see the certificate before...

Small Businesses: Apply for Small Business Assistance Grant Program

Lake County small businesses can apply through July 20 for grants of up to $30,000 to help cover rent or mortgage payments, utility costs, and other expenses incurred due to COVID-19.

Lake County Board Approves Agreement for Small Business Recovery Program | LGBTQ Flag Raised

The Lake County Board passed a resolution approving a professional services agreement with Lake County Partners to administer the Small Business Recovery Program and passed a resolution to display the LGBTQ Pride Flag in Lincoln Plaza.

Tune in to Recording of COVID-19 Virtual Town Hall

Lake County held a live COVID-19 Virtual Town Hall on Tuesday, June 23. Hosted by Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart, panelists discussed the current COVID-19 situation, funding and relief efforts for residents and businesses, plans to reopen schools, and...

Public Act Includes Significant Local Investments to Reduce Flooding and Traffic Congestion

Governor J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois General Assembly recently approved Public Act (PA) 101-0638, a capital infrastructure fund within the State's proposed 2021 fiscal year budget package.

Summer Hydrant Flushing Has Begun

Lake County Public Works will conduct its semi-annual water hydrant flushing program beginning July 6, weather permitting.

The process will be performed daily, Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., per the hydrant flushing schedule and will con...

Lake County Liquor Commission Approves Temporary Outdoor Liquor Sales

In partnership with Sheriff Idleburg & per state direction the Lake County Liquor Commission approved Class A & E bar & restaurant license-holders in unincorporated areas to temporarily serve patrons outside on premises while adhering to State guidelines.

Automatic Renewals for Senior Freeze, Disabled Persons and Disabled Veterans Homestead Exemptions

Residents who in 2019 applied for and received the Senior Citizen Freeze Homestead Exemption, Homestead Exemption for Persons with Disabilities, and Standard Homestead Exemption for Veterans With Disabilities will not be required to re-apply in 2020.

2020 Water Quality Reports Available

Lake County Public Works is committed to providing safe water throughout the County. As strong supporters of the Safe Drinking Water Act, Public Works releases annual water quality Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs) for the 12 water systems they own and o...

Lake County Board and Committee Meetings to be Held Remotely

All Lake County Board and Committee Meetings are currently being held remotely via Zoom. Please visit our calendar section for details and agenda information. 

Many regularly scheduled meetings have been canceled, and meetings that are held will b...

COVID-19 Cases Rising Among Younger Lake County Residents

The Lake County Health Department is reporting an upward trend in new COVID-19 cases among teenagers and young adults in the past two weeks.

Health Department and Partners Work to Address Health Disparities

The Lake County Health Department continues to work alongside community partners to address higher rates of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) infections occurring in Lake County's African American and Latino communities.

Lake County Officials Warn of Contact Tracing Scams

Lake County officials are warning residents of contact tracing scams where criminals pretend to be contact tracers to steal vital information like social security numbers and banking information over the phone, via email, and text message.

Lake County Health Department Expands COVID-19 Testing in Long-Term Care Facilities

The Lake County Health Department is now facilitating Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) testing for residents and staff of long-term care facilities throughout the county.

Lake County Enters Phase 3 of Restore Illinois Plan

As part of the Northeast region, Lake County entered Phase 3 of the Restore Illinois plan today. Governor J.B. Pritzker announced he is signing a new executive order to reflect these changes while extending the state of emergency for another 30 days. The ...

Gov. Pritzker Announces Illinois Contact Tracing Collaborative

On May 18, 2020, Governor J.B. Pritzker announced the Illinois Contact Tracing Collaborative, a locally-driven approach to scale up contact tracing in Illinois. The Lake County Health Department was among two local health departments in the state chosen t...

Gov. Pritzker Extends Stay-At-Home Order to May 30

On Thursday, April 23, Governor J.B. Pritzker announced he would extend the stay-at-home order through May 30, with some modifications taking effect on May 1.

Lake County Launches Coronavirus Data Hub

Lake County has released a Coronavirus Data Hub to centralize data related to COVID-19 in Lake County, available at www.lakecountyil.gov/COVID19data. The hub includes the number of cases and deaths in Lake County and in the State of Illinois, an interacti...

Lake County Announces First Coronavirus Deaths

 Lake County officials regret to announce that the first two Lake County residents have died from complications of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). 

Lake County Coroner Dr. Howard Cooper said, “On March 24, 2020, at approxim...

Health Department Develops Guidance for Essential Staff Working During COVID-19

The Lake County Health Department has developed guidance for employers currently operating to protect staff and customers’ health: 

• Staff who have a fever or respiratory symptoms of cough, sore throat,...

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker announces “stay-at-home" order

On Friday, March 20, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced a “stay-at-home" order to take effect Saturday evening, March 21 and continue through Tuesday, April 7. The order is in place to protect the health of people in our community and th...

Health Department Updates Recommendations

The Lake County Health Department updated its recommendations in accordance with State of Illinois guidance. This includes:

Social Distancing

• Stay home as much as possible.
• If gatherings are necessary, limit the number of people to 10.
• Call to check on family...

Restaurants, Bars, and More to Suspend Services for On-Site Consumption

Beginning March 16, 2020 at 9 p.m. through March 30, 2020, all businesses in Illinois that offer food or beverages for on-premises consumption - including restaurants, bars, grocery stores, and food halls - must suspend service for and may not permit on-p...

Health Department Issues New Guidance to Minimize COVID-19 Spread

The Lake County Health Department issued new recommendations to slow community spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). These recommendations include community interventions such as canceling large events and social distancing, which are measures to redu...

Lake County Resident Tests Positive for Coronavirus Disease

The Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center is joining with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to announce that a Lake County resident has tested positive at the IDPH laboratory for coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The reside...

Mosquitoes test positive for West Nile virus in Lake County

A mosquito “pool” (batch of mosquitoes) sampled on June 4, 2020 in Hawthorn Woods, Illinois has tested positive for West Nile virus. This mosquito pool is the first confirmed indicator of West Nile virus presence in Lake County in 2020.

Ethylene Oxide Air Monitoring Program Concludes

The Health Department, Village of Gurnee, and City of Waukegan have received the final set of results from the last phase of outdoor air monitoring for ethylene oxide (EtO) near Vantage Specialty Chemicals in Gurnee and Medline Industries in Waukegan.

Racism is a Public Health Issue

Our skin is the largest organ in the body, designed to shield and protect us from the elements of the outside world. Its color is determined by the amount of melanin produced by a specific cell in our body and the reaction to sunlight. Throughout history,...

Lake County Government Operations Update March 19

To protect the public and Lake County staff while maintaining required government operations, Lake County Government offices will be transitioning to provide only essential functions over the next few days. Visit lakecountyil.gov/closures for more informa...

Updated Guidance to Minimize Spread of Coronavirus

In accordance with State of Illinois guidance, the Lake County Health Department has updated its recommendations to minimize the spread of COVID-19 in our community. Public health officials continue to urge all residents to take precautions to stay health...

Ethylene Oxide in Lake County, Illinois

The Lake County Health Department, Village of Gurnee, and City of Waukegan have begun receiving initial results from the second phase of outdoor air monitoring for ethylene oxide (EtO) near Vantage Specialty Chemicals in Gurnee and Medline Industries in W...

Small Businesses: Apply for Small Business Assistance Grant Program

Lake County small businesses can apply through July 20 for grants of up to $30,000 to help cover rent or mortgage payments, utility costs, and other expenses incurred due to COVID-19.

Virtual Information Session

You can apply for training funds and job search assistance available through the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) by attending a virtual information session.

• Watch the slideshow to learn about job search services offered by the Job Center ...

"Get Hired" website to connect with employment and career resources

Get Hired Illinois  is a portal designed to connect workers with available job and career training opportunities across the state of Illinois.Residents and employers may access Get Hired at: www.illinois.gov/gethired

Families First Coronavirus Response Act

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA  Act) requires certain employers to provide their employees with paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19. Each covered employer must post a...

Attention community organizations!

Refer your customers to the Job Center of Lake County using this simple form.

Summer Hydrant Flushing Has Begun

Lake County Public Works will conduct its semi-annual water hydrant flushing program beginning July 6, weather permitting.

The process will be performed daily, Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., per the hydrant flushing schedule and will con...

2020 Water Quality Reports Available

Lake County Public Works is committed to providing safe water throughout the County. As strong supporters of the Safe Drinking Water Act, Public Works releases annual water quality Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs) for the 12 water systems they own and o...

Sheriff’s Cybercrimes Unit Works with Kenosha PD to Apprehend Man Who Shared Child Pornography

In September of 2019 a victim, who resides in unincorporated Gurnee, came to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office to report she was being harassed and stalked online.  The victim stated nude photos of her were sent to her family members and...

Lake County Jail Now Accepting Credit/Debit Cards for Bond

Effective immediately, the Lake County Jail will accept credit/debit cards for the posting of inmate bonds.  Inmates and those posting bond for an inmate can now do so with the following debit/credit cards: MasterCard, Visa, American Express, or ...

Man Dies After Being Rescued from Petite Lake

On July 3, 2020, at approximately 5:45PM, the Lake County Sheriff’s Marine Unit along with Sheriff’s Patrol Deputies were dispatched to the 38800 block of North Cedar Crest Drive, Unincorporated Lake Villa, for a report of an unconscio...

On-Site Jail Video Visitation to Resume

 Effective Monday, July 6, 2020, on-site jail video visitation will resume normal operations.  Individuals wishing to come to the Lake County Jail to conduct a video visitation with an inmate can again do so at no cost.  The pub...

New Location for Jail Visitor Entrance/Inmate Release

With the completion of the latest phase of renovations at the Lake County Jail, the new permanent public entrance is now located on the south side of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office at 25 South Martin Luther King Jr. Ave, Waukegan.  Th...

A Message from Sheriff John D. Idleburg

“I would like to take a moment and thank the thousands of Lake County residents who have peacefully protested over the last two weeks.  There is nothing more resonating than thousands coming together peacefully, to express a message. &a...

Lake County Wetland Restoration and Preservation Plan Public Comment Period Open

The Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) opened a 60-day public comment period to collect comments on the draft Wetland Restoration and Preservation Plan for Lake County. This comment period has been extended due to the response to the COVID-19 pandemic...

New WOTUS Rule Effective June 22, 2020

To: Certified Wetland Specialists, Community Enforcement Officers, & Other Interested Parties:

The Navigable Waters Protection Rule (NWPR), which re-defines waters of the United States (WOTUS), becomes effective on June 22, 2020. The ...

Four-Day Wetland Delineation Class Sept. 22-25, 2020

This four-day course is designed to provide students with hands-on experience in the field applying the methods and getting critiqued by the instructor and their peers. Taught by regional experts in plant identification, hydric soil recognition, and wetla...

Upper Des Plaines River Engineering Impact Analysis

In June 2018, the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) entered into a contract with Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd. to study the Upper Des Plaines River Watershed (DPRW) within Wisconsin and the potential impacts in Wisconsin and Illi...

Metra launches test of ridership dashboard

Metra recently launched a new ridership dashboard to provide information to riders about how crowded trains have been on each line. The information will help riders who have the flexibility to travel at different times make data-driven decisions to select...

Midlothian Road to Close for Culvert Replacements

The Lake County Division of Transportation will be closing Midlothian Road between Winchester Road and Illinois Route 176 to through traffic starting Wednesday, July 15 at 6 a.m. The road is scheduled to reopen Tuesday, Aug. 11 in the late afternoon. The ...

Provide Input on IL 83/137 Study!

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is studying potential improvements to approximately 11 miles of IL 83 and IL 137 in Lake Villa, Round Lake Beach, Grayslake and Libertyville. Through July 16, IDOT is seeking public feedback.

Wadsworth Road Eastbound to Close at Des Plaines River Bridge

The Lake County Division of Transportation will close eastbound Wadsworth Road at the Des Plaines River bridge to all traffic beginning Tuesday, July 7 at 7 a.m. The road will be closed for 28 days. This closure is necessary for bridge repairs. Westbound ...

Hart Road to Close for Reconstruction and Widening

The Lake County Division of Transportation will be closing Hart Road at US Route 14 in Barrington starting Monday, May 18 at 6 a.m. The road is scheduled to reopen late Monday, August 17. The closure is necessary as part of railroad crossing improvements ...

Limited reopening of the Treasurer's Office

Observing the state of Illinois Stage 4 of re-opening, the Treasurer’s office will enter a phased re-opening with limitations on July 13th.  In order to limit the quantity of bodies to the courthouse to fewer than 50% with prop...

Where's My Payment?

Every year, the Treasurer’s office receives thousands of tax payments to our office instead of the automated PO Box.  Our staff is processing these payments by hand, so please be patient as it will take additional processing before paym...

Treasurer's Office Closure Extended - We are still available to help!

Due to the update from Federal and State government, we will be extending our closure to the public to slow the spread of COVID19. The Treasurer’s staff continues to work on site, but doors will remain closed until proper precautions can be impl...

Lake County Board Authorizes Deferred Payments For Hardship Due to COVID-19

Lake County, IL- The Lake County Board passed an ordinance for deferred payment of property taxes as a result of hardship due to the economic fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We all want to help families and residents who are facing economic ...