Voters will be asked whether they support banning the sale of assault weapons and requiring universal background checks for firearm transfers; and whether they believe the State should provide more funding for mental health treatment

The Cook County Board of Commissioners today passed a resolution placing two non-binding advisory referenda on the ballots of Cook County voters in the November 4, 2014 general election. The first referendum will read:

Improvements to key transportation corridor will benefit southern suburbs, residents

Cook County will undertake a key road project next year designed to serve as a major tool for economic development in the southern suburbs.

At their meeting today, Cook County Commissioners approved a measure that will enable the County to tap state and federal monies to supplement its own funds in the reconstruction of a key section of Center Street in Harvey. That roadway helps service the giant CN Railroad intermodal facility and is badly in need of modernization.

Originally published on the Cook County Sustainability blog April 23rd, 2013

Thank you to all of the volunteers and staff who partnered with the Department of Environmental Control to make the 2013 Earth Day clean-up events a success:

Friends of the Park

Forest Preserve District of Cook County

Blue Island Bike Club

National Park Service

Major Taylor Bike Club

Southeast Environmental Task Force

Chicago Park District

Please be advised that the following Forest Preserve District of Cook County locations are closed due to heavy rains and flooding. Avoid any high-water areas, as these areas may be dangerous.

Locations will be reopened as water levels recede.

NORTHWEST COOK COUNTY
Busse South, Groves 5-16
Busse North 1 – 3
Busse Central 4
Busse Reservoir 17 – 25

NORTH COOK COUNTY
Dam 4 Woods
Chippewa Woods
Dam 1 East
Massasauga Family Picnic Area
Dam 1 West
Camp Ground Road Woods
Northwestern Woods
Thatcher Woods

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle today introduced an amendment to lower tax rates on the transfer of motor vehicles between county residents.

Beginning August 1, an individual transferring ownership of a motor vehicle nine years or older will be subject to a $90 tax.  Vehicles four to eight years old will be subject to a $175 tax. Vehicles three years old or newer will pay a $225 tax.  A $25 tax rate will continue to apply to transfers between immediate family, business transfers under certain circumstances and transfers to beneficiaries of an estate.

I commend the Board of Commissioners for approving the 2015 Cook County budget today.

“For the second consecutive year we have passed a balanced budget with no new taxes, fines, fees or layoffs. This budget makes important infrastructure investments, carefully reorganizes our approach to real estate management, holds the line on positions and works to improve public safety.

From an old piano to a pair of meat slicers, Cook County is pursuing new ways to generate revenue by selling obsolete and occasionally odd property via an online auction site.

“These items are helping the county bring in money instead of collecting dust in a warehouse,” Preckwinkle said. “By auctioning unused property, we are reducing waste, creating new revenue and encouraging fiscal responsibility. We will continue pushing for innovative ways to create revenue without further burdening Cook County taxpayers.”

 Kiosks used to generate and record public feedback for development Cook County’s Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) are in new locations for the month of November.