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
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Supervisor Christopher Karam |
March is here and we are starting to see the light! Even that big yellow orb known as the sun has made several appearances lately. We know another winter storm may be inevitable, but Spring Break is near. Speaking of Spring Break, we are strongly encouraging you to make your voice heard at the ballot box for the local elections being held shortly afterward on April 4th. Historical turnout for these races has been very low and it is easy for elections being held two days after Spring Break to slide right by your calendar. The good news is that it is very easy to register to vote and to vote early. Please visit these online resources to gather additional voting information.
Our winter services will conclude this month as we put an end to our Firewood Friday program with the last dates set for Friday, March 3rd and 17th. Also, our Spring Shred Event is scheduled for Saturday, March 25th at the Road District. We look forward to seeing you there!
We are deeply saddened by the environmental conditions left behind by the recent train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. The potential for unknown contaminants in their groundwater and wells has raised residents’ anxieties. Ironically, next week is National Groundwater Awareness Week, and the Lake County Health Department is offering a reduced well water testing fee for homeowners. Between March 6th and March 17th, 2023, the usual $18 fee for testing for bacteria and nitrates will be reduced to $15. Cuba Township has test kits on hand. Call us at 847-381-1924 before you come to reserve yours. All collected water samples must be brought to the Lake County Central Permit Facility between 8:00 AM and 3:30 PM, Monday through Thursday. Results of water samples are ready for homeowners in approximately three business days.
Mark your calendars for the 3rd annual Land We Love Run set for Saturday, July 1st. We look forward to an even bigger and better patriotic event this year. Lastly, we wish you well during the Lenten season as we prepare for Easter in April and please enjoy safe travels while the kids are off school the last week of the month. I’m sure those of you staying local will enjoy the peaceful surroundings with no traffic moving through town.
Sincerely,
Chris Karam
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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 5-7 weeks for expedited processing and 8-11 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.
Food Pantry
The Tuesday food pantry continues as an indoor pantry, by appointment only, from 10 AM to 1 PM. If you need food assistance, please email info@cubatwpil.gov or call 847-381-1924.
If you want to donate, we need paper towels, crackers and snack items, canned fruits, canned salmon, tomato sauce (with or without meat), and jelly (no grape please).
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
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LIHEAP Program - Appointments Required |
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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)
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Monthly Board Meeting is set for Tuesday, March 14, 2023
The Monthly Board Meeting Agenda is available here 48 hours prior to the meeting date.
2023 Consolidated Election Set for April 4, 2023
Click here to view the most current list of filed candidates throughout Lake County.
You Can Still Register to Vote!
- You can register in person with a deputy registrar at Cuba Township until Tuesday, March 7, 2023.
- Register at any early voting site when open from March 20 to April 3 (you must vote at the time of registration).
Voting Options
Early Voting
Early voting for the April 4 election is available at the Village of Lake Barrington, 23860 N. Old Barrington Road beginning March 20 through April 1. Hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Vote by Mail
If you would like to vote by mail, you may order your ballot here. The clerk's office will mail your ballot to your home or to snowbirds at another location. Ballots will begin being mailed on March 10. If you are mailing them back, make sure they are postmarked at the post office.
Election Day Voting
- Polls are open from 6 AM to 7 PM
- Use the assigned neighborhood site serving your address
- Election Day voting site locator
- Every site is ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant and handicap accessible.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve you.
Sincerely,
Heidi Shannon
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Assessor Nicole E. Knapik, CIAO |
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Dear Neighbors,
In the next few months, the 2022 tax bills will be arriving. My office has had many calls from residents asking if taxes are increasing this year. The article below contains a great summary of the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law "PTELL" and may provide insight into what to expect.
The Civic Federation recently summarized, "Property taxpayers in affected counties may be in for a case of sticker shock in 2023 when they receive their tax bills for taxes levied in 2022. For the first time in over three decades, inflation will be well over 5.0%, thus allowing affected governments to increase their levies up to the 5.0% PTELL limit if they so choose." Read more here.
While anxiously awaiting the arrival of your tax bills, I encourage you to verify your property is receiving eligible benefits.
If you purchased your home in 2022, remember to file for your 2023 exemptions this year! If you need assistance, schedule an appointment by calling 847-381-1120. 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 will increase to $8,000 in 2023.
Senior Citizen Homestead Exemption (SCHE)
If you purchased a residence in Cuba Township in 2022, are 65 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 will increase to $8,000 in 2023.
Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption (SCAFHE)
Homeowners 65 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)
Standard Homestead Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities
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. Just to remind you, improvements automatically receive a 4-year Home Improvement Exemption.
We are here to serve you!
Nicole E. Knapik, CIAO
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Highway Commissioner Thomas J Podgorski |
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For the latest update on roads, please follow us on Facebook!
Firewood Friday, March Dates
March dates are Friday, March 3, and March 17. 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. March concludes the Firewood Friday season which begins again in November.
Cuba Township Paper Shred Event Set for Saturday, March 25, 2023, 8 AM-Noon at the Cuba Township Road District (blue farmhouse)
- Limit 4 paper bags per vehicle.
- Please note: The event is limited to Cuba Township residents. When the PaperTiger truck is full, the shred event will end. Try to arrive early!
SPECIAL Township-wide Brush Pick-Up Set for Monday, March 6, 2023
Cuba Township Road District scheduled a brush pick-up in response to last week's ice storm. The pick-up is set for the week of March 6. Please have your neatly stacked pile of brush placed by the street no later than 7 AM, on Monday, March 6. ONLY residents who call or email their address in advance will be picked up. Call us at 847-381-7793 or email Rebecca@cubaroads.org. Spread the word to your neighbors! See guidelines below.
Spring Brush Pick-Up Set for the Week of April 3, 2023
Cuba Township Road District's Spring Brush Pick-Up is set for the week of April 3, 2023. Please have your neatly stacked pile of brush placed by the street no later than 7 AM on Monday, April 3. ONLY residents who call or email their address in advance will be picked up. Spread the word to your neighbors! This will be the only pick-up until the fall (unless a major storm comes through the area and a special pick-up is announced). See guidelines below.
The guidelines for pick-up are as follows: Grass, leaves, tree stumps, or root balls are not accepted. The diameter of branches needs to be less than 8”. The pile should be no wider than 10’ (looking at it from the street), 4’ high, and 5’ deep. If the brush pile exceeds this guideline, the remaining branches WILL NOT be picked up!
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.
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 cannot trim trees or limbs within 10 feet of utility lines.
Need to report a pothole?
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State roads report to IDOT at (800) 452-4368 or visit IDOT site.
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Lake County roads - (847) 377-7400 or visit LCDOT site.
- Unincorporated Cuba Township Roads - 847-381-7793
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Are you or someone you know experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis? Lake County has a Mobile Response Team to help! Call (847) 377-8088. Please help spread the word.
The Mobile Response Program supports people wherever and whenever they need it. A trained Mobile Response Team consisting of a Mental Health Clinician and an Engagement Specialist will be dispatched to individuals experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis.
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Keeping Cuba Township Green! |
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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.
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Cork Recycling Now Available |
Cork recycling is now available at the following location:
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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.
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Employment Opportunity Resources |
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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
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The Barrington Career Center offers resources including:
- Job search skills training
- Coaching
- Career transition services
- Compassionate support
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County Board Commissioners
Illinois State Legislators
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