Another layer of government in Lake County to be dissolved

Another layer of government in Lake County appears to be on the way out and off the tax rolls with the pending dissolution of the Avon-Fremont Drainage District.

The Lake County Board, one of six entities that has to sign off, authorized the dissolution Tuesday.

Avon-Fremont, one of four remaining drainage districts in Lake County, includes parcels in Grayslake, Hainesville, Libertyville, Round Lake Beach, Round Lake Park and in unincorporated Lake County.

Grayslake accounts for about three-quarters of the territory in the district. Ongoing district work to complete creek maintenance and animal control is within its municipal boundaries.

The other five jurisdictions have passed resolutions to dissolve the district, and Grayslake is expected to do so at an upcoming board meeting.

Drainage districts get revenue from an annual assessment placed on tax bills of properties within the district. The agency is no longer necessary because maintenance is handled by the taxing bodies individually or collectively.

Dissolution is allowed if all parties agree, the district has no outstanding debts and no federal or state permits that would be affected. After Grayslake approves, a petition will be filed in Lake County circuit court and drainage district assessments will end.

Also, the remaining $56,888, minus expenses to close out the former district's affairs, will be transferred by the county to the other taxing bodies based on the percentage of former district territory in each.

“This is a very great example of collaboration and getting consensus of the communities involved,” said county board Member John Wasik, a Grayslake resident.

Since 2017, the county board has eliminated or consolidated six special districts and is in the process of dissolving two more.

“These ongoing efforts have reduced redundant functions and removed small tax levies from property tax bills,” according to the Lake County's 2025 annual report.

County board Chair Sandy Hart said the dissolution is considered on a case-by-case basis.

“Some of these might not make sense to dissolve,” she said.