Lakes Region Sanitary District to consolidate with Lake County Public Works
Taxpayers in northwest Lake County are expected to see lower property taxes when the Lakes Region Sanitary District consolidates with Lake County Public Works during the next two years, officials said Friday.
District President Kevin Hunter said the consolidation will allow the district to stop levying $1.25 million in taxes from 5,500 property owners, which should result in an annual average property tax reduction of about $300 for homeowners starting in 2021.
Hunter said the exact amount each homeowner would recover is unknown at this point.
"It'll take about two years for the district to pay off what is owed right now," he said. "But, when that money is paid off and the (district) building is sold, taxpayers will see a property tax reduction."
The move is part of an effort by county officials to consolidate, eliminate or otherwise streamline local governments over which it has control to enhance efficiency and accountability. Other targeted agencies have included dissolving the Seavey Drainage District in Vernon Hills, Mundelein and Libertyville and transferring appointing authority of the Lakeside Cemetery to Libertyville Township.
"This is a great example of how we are working with our partners to consolidate where it makes sense so that we can deliver the most efficient services and reduce costs for Lake County families, businesses and taxpayers," Lake County Board Chairwoman Sandy Hart said.
The Lakes Region Sanitary District was created in 1972 to curb pollution of area lakes due to poorly performing septic systems, according to information on its website. It entered into an intergovernmental agreement with Lake County Public Works to collect sewage from houses, then send it to the Fox Lake sewer plant for processing.
The district serves about 5,500 houses within 17 square miles in unincorporated areas near Ingleside, Volo, Round Lake, Round Lake Beach, Fox Lake and Lake Villa. It maintains more than 82 miles of sewers, 2,060 manholes, 20 lift stations, and a building on the 25000 block of Old Grand Avenue in Ingleside.
Hunter said the district controls sewer pipes that run from the houses to larger county-controlled sewage transmission lines.
While the district was a great idea when it was created, Hunter said, the Lake County Public Works is performing a similar job in other unincorporated areas, creating a redundancy.
Of the $1.25 million in tax revenue the district receives annually, about $800,000 covers employee payroll and expenses, he said.
The Lake County Board targeted the district for consolidation in 2017 due to potential cost savings. At the time, the board released a statement saying, "Every time customers of the LRSD flush their toilet, they pay four taxes and fees to three different government entities."
Customer service will be transitioned to the county by June 3, officials said. District and county employees are working together to make sure customers do not experience any reduction or interruption of service during the transition.