The Forest Preserves of Cook County, in partnership with Cook County, the Chicago Botanic Garden, and the Brookfield Zoo, is hosting its first Construction and Landscaping Supplier Diversity Summit. The event will take place at the Brookfield Zoo’s Discovery Center (8400 W.

The 2012 second installment property tax bill payments are due on Thursday, August 1, 2013. Property owners who did not file a property tax assessment appeal with the Board of Review for the 2012 property tax cycle, are encouraged to attend a property tax assessment appeal forum in Proviso Township on Tuesday, July 9, at the Broadview Missionary Baptist Church, located at 2100 South 25th Avenue in Broadview, Illinois.

An energy use analysis of 33 Cook County municipal buildings shows that low- and no-cost energy efficiency upgrades have reduced overall energy use by 11 percent in these buildings since 2010, saving taxpayers an estimated $3 million over the past three years. CNT Energy completed the energy use “benchmarking” effort for the County and analyzed more than 4.5 million square feet of space in Cook County owned buildings, roughly equivalent to the gross square footage of Willis Tower. The 33 buildings account for 25 percent of the County’s total square footage in its building portfolio.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle today released the preliminary budget for Fiscal Year 2014 which projected a $152.1 million deficit. Since taking office, President Preckwinkle has solved for more than $1 billion in deficits. In Fiscal Year 2011, the deficit was $487 million, in 2012 it was $315.2 million and in 2013 it was $267.5 million. This year's preliminary budget is the latest sign the financial health of the County continues to improve due to the structural changes made under President Preckwinkle.

“Today’s landmark Supreme Court decision finally entitles married same-sex couples to the federal benefits they deserve. By declining to rule on the California case, the Supreme Court effectively cleared the way for same-sex marriage in the Golden State. The decision should strengthen the resolve of the Illinois General Assembly to make marriage equality the law in the land of Lincoln. Gay and lesbian couples who are in loving, committed relationships should be able to marry and be treated equally in the eye of the law.”

Cook County Clerk David Orr’s office on Tuesday released the 2012 property tax rates of more than 1,500 taxing agencies* showing the City of Chicago’s composite tax rate increased 17 percent in 2012, while tax rates in suburban Cook County increased 10 to 15 percent. Chicago’s equalized assessed value (EAV) fell 13 percent, contributing greatly to the rate increase. But the reductions in taxable value within each city township varied greatly.

Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) officials encourage suburban Cook County residents to prevent against tick bites while outdoors enjoying the warmer weather. Ticks are found in and near wooded areas, tall grass and brush. Infected ticks can transmit diseases including ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia and Lyme disease through their bites. “Last year there were 36 cases of Lyme disease in suburban Cook County,” said CCDPH chief operating officer Terry Mason, MD, FACS.

Established in 1919, Children's Book Week is the longest-running national literacy initiative in the country. Every year, commemorative events are held nationwide at schools, libraries, bookstores, homes -- wherever young readers and books connect! In 2013, official events will be hosted in a record-breaking 50 cities, along with innumerable local events. Cook County is helping with this valuable event. Drop off your used children's books through May 19 at the Cook County Law Library, 50 W Washington St., Room 2900.

This year’s program will include health screenings, cooking demonstrations, educational materials and more. Visit the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois booth to register for WalkingWorks®. All you need is your County ID to join us and pick up your free pedometer. Calendar of Events May 16 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Rolling Meadows - 3rd District Courthouse Lower Level - Cafeteria 2121 Euclid Ave. Rolling Meadows, IL May 17 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Markham Courthouse Lower Level - Cafeteria 16501 S. Kedzie Pkwy. Markham, IL May 20 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Cook County Bldg. 8th Floor Lobby 118 N.