Chairman Goslin led the Forest Preserve Finance Committee through the Forest Preserve budget process this winter. On Thursday, December 15th, the 2012 FPD Budget was approved unanimously at the Special Meeting of the Forest Preserve District Board.

The total proposed appropriation for FY2012 is $195 million.
The eastern portion of the Deer Grove Forest Preserve is in the midst of a 5-year restoration project, expected to restore 25.5 acres of historic wetland habitat and enhance 14.5 acres of existing wetland.

Openlands, the contractor completing the project, worked with ecologists from FPDCC, the Army Corps of Engineers and other partner agencies to create the master restoration plan.

We recently received an update from Openlands about the ongoing project, including details on a new community volunteer group for Deer Grove East.
Lower Taxes, Less Spending, Reduced Headcount. Commissioner Goslin is pleased to report that on Friday, November 18th, the Cook County Board of Commissioners approved the 2012 Budget by a vote of 16-1.  

This streamlined budget reduces the Stroger sales tax increase another 25%, following a 50% reduction of the sales tax increase approved by the Board in February 2011.  The final 25% of that sales tax increase will be eliminated in 2013.
A new Cook County law requires all businesses in unincorporated Cook County to hold a General Business License (GBL). The purpose of the GBL is to ensure businesses operating in unincorporated Cook County are in compliance with public health and safety standards, as well as with all other County ordinances.

Business owners must apply for the GBL, which is good for two years, and pay the $40 license fee online. Businesses out of compliance may be subject to a $1000 fine.

Northfield Township Appeal Seminar

Northfield Township will be open for 2011 Board of Review appeals between January 10 and February 8, 2012. Property owners are invited to attend a property tax appeal seminar for the Cook County Board of Review on Monday, January 30th at 7pm at the Glenview Public Library.

These seminars will educate taxpayers on how to file a successful tax appeal in a time when the economy is putting added pressures on home and business owners. Read More…

 

County Board LIVE

Live streaming audio of the proceedings of the Cook County Board is now available through the Cook County website. Tune in to listen to today’s Forest Preserve District Board Meeting at 10am.

 

Wheeling Township Appeal Seminar

Wheeling Township is open for open for 2011 Board of Review property tax appeals until January 20, 2012. Property owners are invited to attend a property tax appeal seminar for the Cook County Board of Review on Monday, January 16th at 7PM at Arlington Heights Memorial Library.

This seminar will educate taxpayers on how to file a successful tax appeal in a time when the economy is putting added pressures on home and business owners. Read More…

 

FPD Picnic Permits on Sale January 3rd!

The Forest Preserve District of Cook County will begin selling 2012 picnic permits online and in person on Tuesday, January 3.

In-person sales will take place from 8am – 4pm at the Forest Preserve District of Cook County General Headquarters, 536 N. Harlem Avenue, River Forest, Illinois.

Online sales can be accessed here and will also open at 8am on January 3rd.

Read More…

 

Public Safety Funding

Commissioner Goslin stood with fellow County officials to announce restoration of key public safety funding in the 2012 budget. The $4.5 million restores 15 attorneys, 14 Victims Witness Staff, 5 Investigators and 8 members of the legal support staff in the State’s Attorney’s Office and 10 attorneys, 27 investigators and 1 administrative assistant to the Office of the Public Defender.

 

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