‘A small but real benefit’: Grayslake action cements the dissolution of a layer of government

In the Grayslake area, the dissolution of a layer of government some taxpayers may not even have been aware of is more a philosophical victory given the minimal line item on the tax bill.

But there are advantages, too, according to Grayslake leaders as the village board Tuesday was the sixth and final jurisdiction to pass a resolution needed to officially dissolve the Avon-Fremont Drainage District.

“This move is really about good government and efficiency,” Mayor Elizabeth Davies said a week before the vote.

“We’ve worked with Lake County and other entities involved over the past year and since the (drainage) district board and all other villages have agreed, we’re ready to finalize the process,” she added.

Three-quarters of the drainage district territory is within Grayslake and the village for years has been handling much of the maintenance along Mill Creek.

“This is not a new service, it’s one we already largely provide and are fully capable of managing,” Trustee Lalena Zoe Magnetta posted on social media.

The actions makes sense because removing an unnecessary layer of local government allows for clearer oversight and more efficient use of resources, she added.

Davies noted about 80% of the drainage district budget went to administration. She estimated the district charge amounted to about $5 on an average tax bill but small savings can add up.

Moving the responsibility for Mill Creek to the village eliminates that line item on tax bills and means more money will be going to the actual services.

A study showed the creek area may benefit from various bank stabilization projects that enhance water quality and stormwater capacity, according to Chase Muscato, deputy village manager.

It also identified places there may be opportunities for trail connections near the creek, he added.

The Grayslake board’s 6-0 approval of the measure to dissolve clears the way for Lake County, as required by state law, to file a petition with the circuit court to dissolve the drainage district.

That will start a monthslong process involving two hearings and a 60-day window for drainage district commissioners to file a financial report before all is said and done.

About a quarter of the total drainage district territory lies in unincorporated Lake County, Hainesville, Libertyville, Round Lake Beach and Round Lake Park. Those entities approved resolutions to dissolve before Grayslake’s action, which was purposefully saved for last.

“We view this as a positive step that streamlines services, ensures stormwater management and provides a small but real financial benefit to our taxpayers,” Davies said.