FY2022 budget approved, Pediatric COVID-19 vaccine, Welcome Ryker, and More
Dear Neighbors,
I hope this finds you, family and neighbors well.
I'm saluting veterans and their noble sacrifices and service this week. I was also humbled and honored to read a special recognition at the Nov. 9 County Board meeting proclaiming November as National Native American and Alaska Native
Heritage Month. There's so much more work we need to do in this area, starting with reconciliation and awareness of indigenous Americans and their invaluable contributions, culture and legacy.
What's in a budget? For many, it's a random herd of numbers that don't make much sense. But for me, it's much more. It's a statement of purpose and direction.
The County Board passed our Fiscal Year 2022 budget on Nov. 9. Without a doubt, it's been a challenging year as we work our way out of the pandemic. Yet, this year had some surprises and countless challenges.
One of the highlights, despite nearly 60 new program requests -- the vast majority we couldn't fund -- we managed to reduce the county portion of our tax rate slightly. While it may not seem like much, we've been able to do this two out of the last three years. This act was a testament to the firm and steady management of our great staff and our board's policy to try to flatten or reduce taxes while maintaining a high level of service. I was happy to support budgets like these.
Of course, a budget being a massive umbrella for funding everything from fixing roads to paying salaries, it also reflected long-standing needs. We are funding a sustainability director and staff this year after putting it off the past two years. This team will not only help us save money, they will work to save our environment. We're cutting energy use and waste stream while producing our own energy. Climate change is not abating, so we need to do everything we can. This was one of my requests, and I was heartened to see it become reality.
Of course, not everybody got what they wanted out of this budget. I also advocated for a federal lobbyist and environmental educator at the county's University of Illinois extension. Maybe next year?
Generally though, despite having to hold the line in many areas, we are moving forward on a new emergency management building and other improvements while cutting our debt payments by 4% because we were able to refinance some bonds. And there's much more ahead of us as we dedicate federal American Rescue Plan Act dollars, which we'll spend on essential services such as a health department hotline, rental, housing and food assistance
Forest Preserve News
Once again, our forests, prairies and wetlands are full of green wonders and promises for the future.
Thanks to an anonymous donor, we received a $2 million contribution to help fund our first net-zero education center at the Ryerson Conservation Area in Riverwoods. I was thrilled to personally work with this donor over the past several years, whose gift will benefit more than 25,000 Lake County school children annually.
We're anticipating that more grants will come in so that we can continue work on this project and many others. Better yet, a net-zero building produces enough renewable energy to meet its own annual energy consumption requirements, reducing the use of nonrenewable energy. A similar style of building for grounds maintenance is planned at Lakewood. Know any donors who want to leave a lasting, green legacy? Contact our Preservation Foundation. There are numerous ways to help.
I urge you to stop by to see the new Ansel Adams exhibit at the Dunn Museum. It's a stunning collection of the landscape photographer's early work, featuring emotionally charged vistas of the Sierras, Grand Tetons and New Mexico. This rare and enlightening exhibit runs through March.
And heartfelt congratulations to the Grayslake Central Girls Cross County team for their platinum performance at state! (Both of my daughters were on that super team in past years). Thanks to the great coaches, teachers, parents, administrators and students who support a sterling and safe learning environment. They are running for the gold every day!
It's my honor to serve you. Please enjoy an autumn walk, tumbling in the leaves or the beauty of your neighbors. I'd be happy to talk to any community group. And if you know anyone who needs a COVID shot or booster, they are available nearly everywhere, including our county health clinics. I just signed up for my J&J booster.
Be well. Be safe, and have a happy, healthy Thanksgiving.
John
