July 11, 2020
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
(2 sessions*)
Home Buyer Education Webinar
Learn about the home buying process such as the basics of budgeting, improving credit, understanding the closing process and down payment assistance programs.
This is an online course taught by a live instructor via Zoom.
*NOTE: This is an eight-hour course delivered in two 4-hour sessions: July 11th and July 18th.
Pappas: Cook County Property Tax Bills Are in the Mail. Take until October 1 to Pay. 

Second Installment Cook County property tax bills will start to arrive in mailboxes today and property
owners have until October 1, 2020, to pay without any late charge, Treasurer Maria Pappas said. 
 
The Second Installment is due August 3, but property owners can pay without any interest charge through October 1, 2020, thanks to an ordinance urged by Pappas and passed by the Board of Commissioners in May. 
 
“Because of the pandemic, many homeowners and business people are juggling their bills, worried that they will have to let one bill drop,” Pappas said. “Now they have extra time without paying extra money in late fees.” 
 
Property owners can start making partial payments to avoid one big payment on October 1. Any balance due after that date will be charged 1.5 percent per month, as required by state law. 
 
To download a copy of your tax bill or to make a payment, visit cookcountytreasurer.com: • Select the blue box labeled “Pay Online for Free” • Search by property address or enter your Property Index Number (PIN) • There is no fee if you pay from your bank account 
 
Second Installment bills include any property tax reassessments and exemptions calculated by the county assessor and tax rates calculated by the county clerk. ## 
Apply Today: COVID-19 Reimbursement Available under FEMA’s Public Assistance Program

Virtual applicant briefings will guide local governments, nonprofits and houses of worship through reimbursement process

SPRINGFIELD - To assist local governments, nonprofits and religious organizations recoup funds expended during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), and local emergency managers throughout the state, is encouraging entities to attend the scheduled virtual briefings to begin the reimbursement application process to receive
federal funds.

“There are more than 1,328 known eligible applicants in the State of Illinois, yet only 159 have applied for reimbursement to date. We do not want anyone to be left behind in the recovery process,” said IEMA Director Alicia Tate-Nadeau. “This
funding mechanism is an economic lifeline for communities large and small. Costs eligible for reimbursement include, but are not limited to, overtime costs associated with the COVID-19 response, the purchase of personal protective
equipment (PPE), testing supplies and equipment, housing assistance, purchase and distribution of food, and more. If you have questions about eligibility, we urge you to contact your county emergency management office today.” Public Assistance (PA) is available in all 102 counties in Illinois where COVID-19 cases have been reported. Under the guidelines of the PA program, local
jurisdictions can be reimbursed up to 75 percent of eligible costs for emergency protective measures associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. It is important to note that the Public Assistance program does not reimburse for lost wages or
revenue as a result of the pandemic.

Additionally, the Public Assistance program is not for individuals or business owners affected by the pandemic. The State of Illinois filed for federal Individual Assistance; however, that request is still pending with the federal government. In the meantime, the U.S. Small Business Administration has made resources available for individuals and businesses. To learn more, visit the Department of
Commerce and Economic Opportunity website.

This week (July 6-10), applicant briefings will be conducted virtually for potential applicants. These applicant briefings provide an overview of the program requirements and instructions for completing the required application forms. Previous webinars can be found on the IEMA website to help guide applicants that are unable to attend one of the scheduled briefings. For more information,
visit the Illinois Emergency Management Agency website.
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