Lake County Gazette

Lake County has announced a proposal to dissolve the South Lake Mosquito Abatement District. This ordinance, introduced by the Lake County Board, targets the district which serves areas such as Bannockburn, Deerfield, Highland Park, Highwood, Northbrook, Riverwoods, and unincorporated parts of the county.

According to Lake County, the district is managed by five county-appointed trustees and is currently the last mosquito abatement district in Lake County. It generates approximately $481,721 annually through a property tax levy used for mosquito control services provided by an external contractor, as well as administrative and legal expenses.

The proposal suggests that the district lacks real or personal property assets beyond its tax revenue. It argues that municipalities within its boundaries or the county itself could perform its responsibilities more effectively or efficiently. Dissolving the district would reduce overlapping government functions and eliminate administrative costs associated with maintaining it. Additionally, residents would see this property tax levy removed from their bills. Further savings might be achieved by consolidating mosquito abatement services through municipal or countywide agreements.

If approved, the dissolution process would involve auditing the district’s finances, contracts, assets, and liabilities. Following this audit, the county board could pass an authorizing ordinance and petition the circuit court to appoint a trustee-in-dissolution to manage the wind-down process. The proposal references authority granted under the Illinois Counties Code (55 ILCS 5/5-44025) and requires public notice in a local newspaper and on the county website before proceeding.

The Lake County Board comprises 19 elected members representing various districts. They are responsible for approving budgets, financial matters, and ordinances affecting government departments. Meetings are held at the County Administrative Tower in Waukegan or remotely via Zoom. Schedules and agendas are available online, with sessions broadcast live on LCTV.