Lincolnshire mayor declares state of emergency

Lincolnshire Mayor Elizabeth Brandt has declared a local state of emergency due to the growing COVID-19 pandemic. The move, which was approved by the village board, means Brandt can make executive decisions without village board approval. Brandt said she intends to use the powers to purchase goods or services for the village that may be needed to respond to the health crisis. Village Manager Brad Burke was given the same authority. Further, residents and business owners who don't pay water or sewer bills on time won't see service shut off or late fees applied. Brandt also authorized Burke to make emergency staffing decisions for the police department.

Additionally, all nonessential village meetings - such as those by the zoning board, park board and architectural review board - will be canceled for the duration of the emergency. Lincolnshire's village board set the declaration to expire April 13. The board can extend or terminate the emergency declaration at that time.