January, 2023 Serving Our Community Townships should continue to be your most effective and cost-efficient form of government. Cuba Township's elected officials and staff are committed to creating and maintaining a high quality of life for residents by continuing to provide services such as Road Maintenance, Property Assessments, and Administrative services in a friendly and fiscally responsible manner. Road District: 847-381-7793 Township Office: 847-381-1924 Assessor's Office: 847-381-1120

Supervisor Christopher Karam Happy New Year from Cuba Township! We welcome the fresh beginning of a new year and wish you good health and prosperity. We here at Cuba Township resolve to serve our community and enhance our resident’s experience.   I learned a new weather phrase, a “bomb cyclone,” just before Christmas and also had no idea that big winter storms carried a name, “Elliott” in this case, like hurricanes and tropical storms in the summer. The Cuba Township Road District was well prepared for the event and kept our roads as clear and safe as possible. Thank you to the entire Road District crew; we appreciate your preparedness and readiness.   Our first wave of extreme cold settled in last month, and pray that shelter and food are not choices for our residents. But we live in the real world, and those choices are real for too many. Please keep our food pantry in mind for donations this winter, as the cost of food and heat will be an economic shock for many.   Let’s talk taxes. What?! I will be teaming up with our Assessor, Nicole Knapik, to share our property tax insights later this winter and into the spring season in advance of the 2022 tax bills being mailed. Most local taxing bodies [all of which are outlined on your property tax statement] have completed their levy request and are amid finalizing their budgets for the next fiscal year. We will be relaying some of our thoughts about the overall process in upcoming newsletters.   The month of January sometimes seems slow due to a lack of sunshine, daylight, and an abundance of cold temperatures, but we still have some things to celebrate and embrace. Merry Christmas to those Christians who celebrate on January 6th and 7th. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is on January 16th, and I’m sure you could find a “Just for Fun” day that tickles your fancy.  Cheers to 2023! Chris Karam Township Services Cuba Township residents in need may be eligible for various programs, including utility assistance, such as LIHEAP and Nicor Sharing, emergency assistance, and food pantry programs. Please visit our website for a complete list of assistance services. ****Appointments for services are REQUIRED**** Passport Services Passport Applications: Passport processing takes 3-5 weeks for expedited processing and 6-9 weeks for standard processing. Passport appointments are required - call 847-381-1924 to schedule an appointment. To check the status of your passport, click here. Visit Travel.state.gov's renewal page if you want to renew an adult passport. Food Pantry The Tuesday food pantry continues as an indoor pantry, by appointment only, from 10 AM to 2 PM. If you need food assistance, please email info@cubatwpil.gov or call 847-381-1924. If you want to donate, we need Kleenex, instant-flavored oatmeal, canned fruits, canned chicken, tuna, salmon, spam, and tomato sauce (with or without meat). Special thanks to our partners, including St. Anne's Project Hope, St. Mark's Church, Barrington FOP, Garden Club of Barrington members, our residents who dropped off food and financial donations for the food pantry, and our fabulous volunteers who show up weekly to assist shoppers and stock shelves. Together, we really can make a difference! Visit the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) Online Portal for Reduced Fare and Ride Free Customers The RTA'S Fare Programs Online is a web-based online customer portal that allows residents with disabilities and seniors to apply for, replace, and renew Reduced Fare and Ride Free Permits. It's quick and easy to use - go to Fares.RTAChicago.org. Ride Lake County - PACE Service Seniors aged 60+ and people with disabilities interested in using the new service are encouraged to register by calling the Pace Call Center at 1-800-201-6446. Registering early for Ride Lake County will allow riders to schedule trips. Seniors must provide their date of birth at registration, and individuals with disabilities must provide their RTA Reduced Fare Permit number at registration. Learn more

LIHEAP Program - Appointments Required

Applications for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program are still available. View income guidelines (left) and required documentation for applicants. Call 847-381-1924 to make an appointment. Documentation: Proof of income from all household members for the 30-day period beginning with the date of application. Most recent, original utility bills. Proof of Social Security numbers for all household members. Applicant identification (Driver's License or State ID)

Clerk Heidi M Shannon Monthly Board Meeting set for Tuesday, January 10, 2023 The Monthly Board Meeting Agenda is available here 48 hours prior to the meeting date. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you. Sincerely, Heidi Shannon

Assessor Nicole E. Knapik, CIAO

Dear friends, In 2023, all Lake County properties will undergo a quadrennial reassessment. A property's "Assessed Value" is based on one-third of the property's "Market Value." Your assessed value multiplied by your tax rate determines your tax bill. Sounds simple, but it's not quite that easy. During the quadrennial assessment year, the township assessors are charged with determining the neighborhood market values based on sales from the previous three years. A median value is determined for each neighborhood, and an equalization factor is applied throughout the neighborhoods and township. Ideally, if your home is exactly the same as your neighbor's home, you would have the same assessed value. Factors that increase or decrease a value include property condition, the number of plumbing fixtures, finished basements, pools, and other amenities. You can check your property characteristics online at IMSLake.org. Just enter your 10-digit Property Index Number (shown on your tax bill) to view. Assessed values determine your share of the property tax burden. The tax rate is determined by each taxing district (schools, libraries, park districts, county, fire protection, and townships) setting their levy for the year. The levies and the total assessed value of an area determine your local tax rate. Once the County Clerk has both the final Assessed Values and the levies, then the tax rates can be calculated. If assessed values increase due to changes in the market, tax bills will not necessarily increase. As long as taxing districts do not increase their spending, a general increase in assessed values will mean lower tax rates and tax bills will stay the same. If taxing districts increase their spending, however, tax bills generally will increase regardless of changes in assessments. We urge residents eligible for homeowner exemptions to make sure they are filed. See below. If you purchased your home in 2022, remember to file for your 2023 exemptions this year! Below is a list of the most common exemptions. General Homestead Exemption (GHE) If you purchased a residence in Cuba Township in 2022 and it is your primary residence, you may be eligible for the General Homestead Exemption (GHE). The GHE for 2022 is $6,000 and increases to $8,000 in 2023. Senior Citizen Homestead Exemption (SCHE) If you purchased a residence in Cuba Township in 2022, and you are 65 years of age or older, and it is your primary residence, you may be eligible for the Senior Citizen Homestead Exemption (SCHE). The SCHE for 2022 is $5,000 and increases to $8,000 in 2023. Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption (SCAFHE) Homeowners 65 years old or older with an income of $65,000 or less may qualify for the Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze. Beginning January 2022, proof of income must be filed along with Senior Freeze applications. You must own the property as your principal residence for two consecutive years (January 1). Homestead Exemption for Persons with Disabilities (HEPD) This exemption may be claimed in addition to the General Homestead Exemption and the Senior Homestead Exemption, if applicable. Applicants must be disabled under the Federal Social Security Act and must supply evidence of disability, in addition to completing the PTAX-343 Application for Homestead Exemption for Persons with Disabilities and PTAX-343-A Physician's Statement. Standard Homestead Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities You may claim this exemption in addition to the General Homestead Exemption and the Senior Homestead Exemption. Disabled veterans qualify if they have at least 30% and up to 100% service-connected disability. Evidence of disability is required along with the completed PTAX-342 Application for Homestead Exemption and PTAX-342-A Annual Verification of Eligibility. Filing for your exemptions is quick and easy through Lake County's Smartfile E-Filing Portal. If you cannot file online, please contact our office at info@cubaassessoril.gov or 847-381-1120 to schedule an appointment. Deputy Assessors in the Field In preparation for the 2023 quadrennial assessment, Deputy Assessors are in the field updating exterior photos and measuring property changes. Remember, improvements automatically receive a 4-year Home Improvement Exemption. We are here to serve you! Nicole E. Knapik, CIAO

Highway Commissioner Thomas J Podgorski

For the latest update on roads, please follow us on Facebook! "Light Up" Cuba Township We want our residents safe when walking, running, and cycling. We highly recommend reflective gear and bike/running lights, so you will “light up” while enjoying the outdoors! Firewood Friday, January Dates January dates are Friday, January 6, and January 20. Pick-up begins at 7:30 AM and ends at 2:30 PM or sooner if supply runs out. Firewood pick-up is subject to cancellation due to weather conditions. Snow Plow Action Items & Safety Protocols Remove cars from the street and cul-de-sacs during a snow event If it snows on garbage day, DO NOT put the totes in the street - leave them at the end of the driveway. Don't crowd the plow Stay at least four car lengths back from a snowplow, and never pass a plow Drive slower, brake sooner Stay off electronic devices Stay off the roads during severe snow events, if possible The Cuba Township Road District operates 24/7 during inclement weather. You can call us if the matter concerns falling trees blocking roads. Please get in touch with your utility company for power outages. Road District Annual Christmas Tree Recycling Christmas tree recycling is between January 3rd and January 13th (weather permitting). Call Rebecca at 847-381-7793 to be placed on the list for pickup. Have the tree at the end of the driveway by 7 AM. The Road District cannot pick up trees with lighting or decorations. Instruction for Trees or Limbs Touching Utility Lines If you have issues with trees or limbs touching utility lines, you must contact the utility company directly. The Township is unable to trim trees or limbs within 10 feet of utility lines. Save the Date - Spring Shred Event set for Saturday, March 25, from 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM. The Road District does not offer recycling. Visit LRS Recycling, Wauconda Recycling, or Solid Waste Agency of Lake County.

Keeping Cuba Township Green!

Clothing and Textile and Reuse-A-Shoe Drop-Off Location – SWALCO Partnership Cuba Township is now a clothing, textile, and Reuse-A-Shoe drop-off location in partnership with SWALCO.   Clothing, textile, and shoe recycling is a full-circle program, diverting your new and gently used donations from landfills. Unacceptable Items: Wet, odorous, or moldy items Nylons and Pantyhose Fabric Scraps Craft Scraps (yarns, threads & other craft materials) Pillows Sleeping Bags Mattresses Rugs Carpet Cushions Foam furniture and foam mats Large Luggage Electric Blankets & Mattress Pads Non-Fabric Household Linens: Vinyl Shower Curtains, tablecloths, furniture covers, etc. Shoes Dress boots, hiking boots, and rain boots are accepted. NO WINTER BOOTS ALLOWED. Shoes in any condition, from new or gently used, to those that are worn, will be accepted. And, the great news is that 95% or more of all the materials collected will be recycled or reused.   Before dropping off your shoes, please tie the laces of each pair together; if they are sandals or have no laces, please place a rubber band on the pair to keep the shoes together.   UNACCEPTABLE ITEMS include Roller Blades, Ice Skates, and Winter Boots.

LRS Update for Unincorporated Areas

The LRS Wauconda Office is open at 1350 N Old Rand Road in Wauconda. Office hours are Monday – Friday, 8 AM – 5 PM. Jaime McLean is the office manager at the Old Rand Road location and was formerly with Prairieland. Have questions/concerns about your delivery service? Contact LRS at 847-381-9300 x 3. Orange stickers for yard waste are now available ($3.00 each) at the following locations: Ace Hardware - 155 Peterson Road in Libertyville Jewel - 150 W Main Street in Barrington LRS Service Garage - 1350 N Old Rand Road in Wauconda Below is information on recycling services offered at the Wauconda office: E-Scraps / Electronics: LRS is now working with SWALCO and will accept a maximum of 7 E-Waste items per visit, excluding Christmas lights and cords, including one TV or CRT monitor (some fees may apply to TVs and CRT monitors, call us for details). White Goods: LRS accepts white goods (no water softeners). A fee may apply. Clothing and Textiles: LRS accepts unwanted clothing and textiles (throw rugs and towels). Athletic shoes: LRS collects and recycles unwearable athletic shoes at the Wauconda drop-off facility. And they collect other styles of used — but wearable — shoes and boots and donate them to charity. Food Organics: LRS collects vegetative food and organic scraps in biodegradable bags at no charge at the Wauconda location.

Cork Recycling Now Available Cork recycling is now available at the following location: All American Reclaim 990 W Northwest Highway Lake Barrington, IL 60010 224-209-8283

REAL ID goes into effect on May 7, 2025 For Illinois residents who fly domestically, the federal government extended the deadline to May 7, 2025, which requires you to use a valid US Passport or obtain a REAL ID from the Illinois Secretary of State's Office. Take time to know your options. For information on other types of identification accepted by TSA, Please visit the TSA website. To see what documents you need to apply for a REAL ID, visit the REAL ID Interactive Checklist. Come prepared and be patient when visiting a Driver Services Facility. All Driver Services facilities are issuing REAL IDs, with the exception of mobile units and express facilities. To find the nearest facility, visit Facility Finder.

Employment Opportunity Resources

Job Center of Lake County offers a host of services including: Resource Library "Who's Hiring" list Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Opportunities Free online webinars Visit the Job Center's website for more information. The Barrington Career Center offers resources including: Job search skills training Coaching Career transition services Compassionate support Visit the Barrington Career Center for more information.

Community Partner Links

Village of Lake Barrington Village of North Barrington Village of Barrington Village of Port Barrington Village of Barrington Hills Village of Tower Lakes Lake County Permit Facility Lake County Sheriff's Office Barrington Countryside Fire Department LRS Recycling Wauconda Recycling Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO) Barrington Area Council on Aging (BACOA) Barrington Area Volunteer Connection Barrington Youth & Family Services Nicasa Behavioral Health Services PADS Lake County Barrington Area Council of Governments GiGi's Playhouse Smart Farms Citizens for Conservation Flint Creek/Spring Creek Watershed Partnership County Board Commissioners Commissioner Mike Danforth – District 17 Commissioner Catherine Sbarra – District 19 Illinois State Legislators State Senator Dan McConchie – 26th Senate District (includes all areas of 52nd and 51st House Districts below) State Representative Marty McLaughlin – 52nd House District (Cary, Fox River Grove, Port Barrington and parts of Lake Barrington, Barrington Hills, and Barrington) State Representative Chris Bos – 51st House District (Deer Park, Lake Zurich, Tower Lakes, and parts of Lake Barrington, North Barrington, and Barrington)

Cuba Township| Website