Lake County Referendum on Forest Preserve Funds, November 5

On the November 5 ballot, the Lake County Forest Preserves will ask voters for a modest tax increase to provide needed funding for maintenance, public access, and safety at new and existing forest preserves, trails, and facilities.

Since voters approved referenda in 1999 and 2000, preserves have grown to 24,325 acres, with up to 1,700 acres in acquisitions anticipated, a projected 25 percent increase. Trails for hiking, biking, and other activities soon will have increased by 43 percent to over 115 miles; thousands of additional acres of wildlife habitat are now managed; and many new preserves and outdoor recreation and education facilities have opened for the public to enjoy.

"A small property tax increase is needed to keep their rapidly growing system of preserves, trails, and facilities clean, accessible, and safe for people to enjoy," said Al Westerman, president of the Lake County Forest Preserves. The proposed referendum would cost the owner of a home with a market value of $200,000 about $10.74 per year.