Welcome to the Village of Barrington E-Newsletter!

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Last week, we proudly kicked off the 2025 events season with the 8th Annual Barrington Town-Warming, a vibrant gathering that united our community for a day of education, entertainment and engaging discussions. It was inspiring to witness such a diverse range of perspectives, spanning across all political backgrounds, as we explored a variety of important topics—from the economy and transportation to urban planning, emergency communications and the U.S. Supreme Court.

We were honored to have Kevin McCarthy, the 55th Speaker of the House, as our keynote speaker. His insightful interview by Motorola Solutions CEO Greg Brown sparked excellent questions and highlighted the collaborative spirit that makes our community so special.

Looking ahead, mark your calendars for our next multi-speaker event, the Barrington Health & Wellness Summit, on Wednesday, Feb. 26 and Thursday, Feb. 27, at Barrington’s White House. This summit will feature leading experts discussing a variety of health and wellness topics, offering valuable insights for all. For tickets, visit the Barrington's White House website.

As we move forward into 2025, exciting developments are on the horizon, including significant infrastructure projects such as the Route 14 underpass, streetscape improvements and upgrades to our water system. We are also committed to supporting local businesses and improving both the safety and aesthetic appeal of our downtown area.

The 2025 budget, approved in December, reflects our continued commitment to these goals while ensuring that Barrington remains in a strong financial position. With total expenditures of $50.1 million, the budget prioritizes key investments in operations and infrastructure. To help you better understand these plans, we’ve created a "Budget in Brief" document, which summarizes the full budget in a format that's easy to digest. I encourage you to review this document to learn more about our exciting plans for 2025. See the article below for further details.

Lastly, I would like to express our condolences to the family and friends of Suzanne Gibson, as she passed away on Jan. 23. Suzanne was a remarkable individual whose life was dedicated to service, both locally and globally. Suzanne served on the Board of Directors for the Barrington Area Refugee Fund and Barrington Youth and Family Services, and she played an instrumental role in several impactful programs. She was also a past president of the Barrington Rotary Club and held other leadership roles in the Rotary organization. Read more about Suzanne’s life here.

Thank you for your continued support of Barrington, and I look forward to the many exciting enhancements and projects that will shape our community throughout 2025.

Karen Darch

Village President

The Barrington Health & Wellness Summit is returning to Barrington’s White House on Wednesday, Feb. 26 and Thursday, Feb. 27. The event will once again gather leading experts from all over the country to explore a variety of health and wellness-related topics, including cancer prevention, mental health, pediatric health, culinary medicine, microbiome, integrative medicine, brain health, women’s health, antibiotics, disease prevention, and more.

The Health & Wellness event is the vision of local physicians and community members. The public is invited to learn about fostering health and wellness in our community. Tickets are available for both in-person and virtual attendance. For tickets and more information, visit the Barrington's White House website.

Since last fall, Village staff has been diligently preparing the 2025 budget, which was approved by the Village Board in December 2024. Each budget process involves a year-round series of public discussions on important topics such as operational needs, capital improvements, economic development, financial planning and strategic initiatives. The budget outlines our financial plan for achieving the goals set forth in the Village’s Strategic Plan for 2021–2026. You can review the full plan on the Village’s website.

The Village continues to maintain a strong financial position leading into 2025, and as always, the entire, detailed budget is publicly available on the Village's website. For a quick overview, we have also created a “Budget in Brief” document that highlights key revenue and expense information. With several exciting projects lined up for 2025, please explore the full Budget in Brief and budget document available online.

Route 14 Underpass Project

At the end of February, the public may notice the advanced placement of "Road Work Ahead" signage on Route 14 and Hough Street before construction activities begin in March. Some initial work includes relocating the fence in Jewel Park and finishing up final tree removals.

The public is encouraged to stay informed throughout the project by visiting the dedicated project website at ww.us14underpass.com and signing up for email updates. Fully funded and supported by multiple agencies, this initiative promises transformative changes to the area. Additional project renderings are available on the website for a glimpse into the future of Route 14.

In December, an ordinance was passed that increases rates for water, sewer, and refuse/recycling services. This rate adjustment is necessary to address rising operational costs, infrastructure improvements, and the need for continued investment in sustainable utilities. The ordinance also includes updates to the water shut-off fee, returned payment fee, and deposit requirements. These new charges will appear on the March 2025 utility bill. For detailed rate information, please visit the Village's website. Further updates will be provided later this month.

February is National Heart Month

The Barrington Fire Department is dedicated to keeping our community safe—not only from fires but also from heart-related emergencies. In a cardiac event, every second counts. Recognizing the signs of a heart attack or stroke can make all the difference and potentially save a life.

To help, our staff facilitates American Heart Association Heartsaver CPR courses. CPR – or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation – is an emergency lifesaving procedure performed when the heart stops beating. Immediate CPR can double or triple the chances of survival after cardiac arrest.

Classes are available to the general public and healthcare providers. For a list of course dates and to register, visit the Village's website.

Crime Prevention Notice - Sealcoating Scams

There have been reports of fraudulent sealcoating scams targeting elderly homeowners in our area. These scams often involve individuals or companies offering sealcoating services at unusually low prices, only to perform subpar or incomplete work. In some cases, they charge far more than the agreed amount or take the money without ever completing the job.

In addition to scamming homeowners with subpar work and inflated prices, these criminals have also been involved in burglarizing homes while the homeowners are distracted.

To help protect yourself and your loved ones from falling victim to these scams, please consider the following crime prevention tips:

• Be Cautious of Unsolicited Offers
• Verify Credentials
• Get Multiple Estimates
• Avoid Paying in Full Upfront
• Research the Company
• Report Suspicious Behavior

If someone approaches you with an unsolicited offer for sealcoating or paving, and their actions seem suspicious, please call 911. This can help prevent others from falling victim to similar scams.

Crime Free Housing Program

The Village of Barrington Crime Free Housing Program is designed to help residents, owners and the managers of rental property keep illegal drugs and other criminal activity off rental properties. Upcoming free Crime Free Housing Program virtual training session dates include Feb. 13, Feb. 19, Feb. 26 and March 13. For requirements and to register for a training session, visit the Village's website.

Landlord reminder: Please notify the Village of new tenants at your rental property; and have those tenants complete and return the Utilities Services Application found on the Village's website. 

Staff Retirement Announcement: Kenny Alongi

This past Monday, Barrington Public Works Maintenance Worker Kenny Alongi hung up his boots after a decade of dedicated service to the Village of Barrington. From battling freezing temperatures to braving storms and long hours, Kenny worked tirelessly to repair watermain breaks, clear blocked sewer lines and keep our roads safe during snowstorms.

For the past ten years, Kenny selflessly put the community's needs first, often working through holidays and special moments with family to keep Barrington running smoothly. His unwavering commitment to ensuring the Village's utilities worked properly and its streets were safe never went unnoticed.

Please join us in celebrating Kenny’s career and wishing him a well-deserved, happy and healthy retirement. Congratulations, Kenny!

Celebrate National Battery Day - Feb. 18

Batteries power many of the devices we use daily, but improper handling and disposal can pose serious risks to human health and the environment.

Please never place any type of battery in your recycling bin. Batteries cannot be recycled through regular home recycling programs. They must be disposed of through special collection programs or drop-off locations. Recycling centers are designed to sort only specific materials like glass, plastic, metal containers, and paper products. Batteries don’t belong in these systems and can become hazardous contaminants.

To help keep our community safe, Barrington has partnered with the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County (SWANCC) to offer a convenient, safe battery disposal option. You can drop off household alkaline, lithium-ion, coin cell and rechargeable batteries at the Barrington Public Works facility, located at 300 N. Raymond Avenue. Drop-off hours are Wednesdays and Fridays from noon to 3 p.m. Please do not leave batteries outside when the office is closed.

For more information and recycling options for other types of batteries, visit SWANCC's website.

Important Reminders

Click on each topic for more information.

• Recycling Drop Off Hours for Batteries and Bulbs
• How to Recycle in Barrington (electronics, yard waste, food scraps, corks and more)
• Proper Household Waste Disposal
• Recycling Guidelines from SWANCC
• Call Barrington Public Works if You Experience a Sewer Backup

Thursday, March 6

8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Chessie's Restaurant

200 Applebee St., Downtown Barrington

Calling all Barrington business owners and managers! Join us for the 2025 Barrington BIZ Kick-Off Breakfast to start the year with valuable insights and networking opportunities.

This event will feature an informative overview of:

• 2024 local economic development activities
• Upcoming 2025 projects and promotions
• Business opportunities and initiatives
• And more!

Attendees will hear from Village officials, staff and community organizations, and have the chance to network with fellow business owners.

RSVP details will be shared in the Feb. 21 e-news. Be sure to sign up for the merchant email list to stay updated.

This breakfast marks the launch of the Village’s Barrington BIZ initiative to support local businesses and is the first of several meetings planned for 2025. Feel free to share this information with other Barrington business owners!

Are you a business owner in Barrington? Stay informed and connected by signing up for the Village of Barrington’s merchant email list. By joining, you will receive important updates on incentives, quarterly meetings with Village staff, and other valuable support tailored specifically for local businesses. To get started, click the link below. Don’t miss out on opportunities to help your business thrive in our community.

Did you know the Village sends out a Monthly Merchant Coupon Book e-Blast? You can find and use coupons for many Barrington businesses.

In order to use the coupons, simply mention that you saw the coupon in the Village of Barrington e-newsletter, or take a screenshot of the coupon and present it at the time of the ordering.

Whether you are opening a new business or relocating an existing business, the Village has prepared the information you need to know for a smooth and easy process! Visit the Village's website to get started. Questions? Email Jennifer Tennant.

Click on the event name for more information and tickets.

Feb. 13

Lincoln Revealed: Stories, Sites, and Surprising Insights with Erin Mast

Feb. 16

Ordinary Elephant – Winner of Artist of the Year: International Folk Music

Feb. 20

Cynthia Rowley Returns to Barrington: Trunk Show

Feb. 20

Cynthia Rowley Returns to Barrington: Champagne Reception & Conversation

Feb. 22

Cuentos from the Americas: Storytelling and Face Painting for Families

March 6

Pat McKillen: Homecoming

March 9

Author John Warner: Writing, AI, and Publishing in the Modern Age

March 13

Lunch & Learn: Nutrition and Weight Management with Amy Paulus, NP

Permits and Inspections

Visit the electronic permit submittals page to review permitting requirements and submittal procedures. Contact Development Services at (847) 304-3400 to schedule inspections.

Sign Up for Emergency Alerts



Sign up online to receive Reverse-911 Emergency Alerts in the event of an emergency in Barrington.

Commuters: Quarterly Hang Tag Renewals



New quarterly hang tags may be purchased at any time for a prorated cost using the Passport website. 

If you have purchased a hang tag during the quarter and realize you no longer need it, you have the option to return the tag for a prorated refund. The refund will be prorated based on the day the tag is received at Village Hall.

Register Your Pets with the Police



Registering your pets with the Barrington Police Department is a great way to recover your pets if they become lost. Owners are no longer required to purchase dog tags; instead, please register your pet online.

Just moved to the Village of Barrington?

As a new resident or business, we realize you want to set up your new refuse, water and sewer service as quickly and easily as possible.

Moving out of your home or rental in the Village of Barrington?

 

If you plan on terminating water service, follow our steps.

Learn more on the village's website.

The Village of Barrington created a community information webpage for the public to access information regarding community events, news, programs and organizations.

• Barrington 220 Named Best Unit (PK-12) School District in Illinois
• Catlow East (The Official Catlow 1927 Foundation Boutique) - Now Open
• DAR Announces American History Essay Contests
• Barrington Area Volunteer Connection
• Help Restore the 100 Year Old Diamond in the Rough – The Catlow Theatre
• Parker Players Stage the Build Campaign
• Submit photos to the Barrington Area Digital Photo Gallery
• Barrington High School Ranked Top Suburban Illinois School
• Alcoholics Anonymous of the Northern Illinois Area

Monday, Feb. 10

Committee of the Whole, 6 p.m.

Board of Trustees, 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 11

Plan Commission/ZBA, 6:30 p.m. - Canceled

Wednesday, Feb. 12

Cultural Commission, 12 p.m.

Environmental Advisory Committee, 6 p.m.

Monday, Feb. 24

Committee of the Whole, 6 p.m.

Board of Trustees, 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 27

Architectural Review Commission, 6:30 p.m.

Visit barrington-il.gov for more information on public meetings.

200 S. Hough Street | Barrington, IL

(847) 304-3400 | barrington-il.gov

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