Check out Web site for assessment help

Property owners recently received their real estate tax assessment notice on a blue postcard. If you would like to compare your assessment with other properties in your area, visit your local township assessor or view the Lake County Web site where useful information is just a few mouse clicks away.

The Chief County Assessment Officer just improved that Web site by automatically providing tax information for comparable properties. By taking advantage of this free service, it is possible for property owners to quickly and accurately evaluate whether or not their assessed value is in-line with other tax parcels that are nearly the same--the criteria used by the Board of Review in a tax appeal.

To access the new and improved Web site go to www.co.lake.il.us and under "Quick Links" click "Property Assessments." Under "Quick Links" on that page click "Find by Address" or "Find by Property Index Number." Fill in your address or Property Index Number then click "Submit." At the bottom of the page select "Comparable Properties" and at the bottom of that page click "Generate Comparable Form."

Another worthwhile improvement was made to the Lake County Forest Preserve's Cuba Marsh site. Now there is a beautiful trail connection to Barrington Park District's Citizen's Park that includes a long section of elevated boardwalk across the wetland between the two parks. The new trail is waiting for you and is well worth the trip to Cuba Marsh.

Residents of Lake Zurich, Kildeer, Hawthorn Woods and Long Grove who would like to receive e-mail notices of items of local interest about the Lake County or the forest preserve should send an e-mail to me at talbett@comcast.net and I will be pleased to add your address to my list.

Michael S. Talbett

Lake County Board

Vice-Chairman

Lake Zurich