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Serving Our Community
Road District: 847-381-7793
Township Office: 847-381-1924
Assessor's Office: 847-381-1120
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Supervisor Christopher Karam | |
Happy Holidays from Cuba Township!
It’s hard to believe the post-Thanksgiving sprint to Christmas and to the new year has arrived.
Let us also take a moment on December 7 to acknowledge Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.
Special thanks to those of you who have taken it upon yourselves to initiate food drives supporting our food pantry. You have answered the bell! We would like to bring special attention to a Lake Barrington food drive collecting donations through December 16th. To learn more, you can visit their “Thanksgifting” website here. Thank you for your support.
Levy and budget season is upon us and most other local taxing bodies. We strive to deliver optimal value for our residents while controlling expenses wherever possible – it is an ongoing process. The rate of inflation exceeded 5% last year and exceeded 5% again in this year’s calculation. What does that mean? In most circumstances, taxing bodies may not receive more than a 5% increase in their levy without taking a referendum to voters.
Our General Township levy estimate, for the second year in a row, did not request an increase from taxpayers. Our Road District levy request increased last year by 2% and this year’s estimate is asking for a 4% increase. Why? For starters, the raw materials used by our road district and associated contracts are highly correlated with inflation (e.g. salt, pvc pipe, asphalt. etc.). However, we will also likely be setting aside funds in a Capital Account to remodel and redesign the Road District office [the blue farmhouse], parking and storage facility. I’m highlighting this to inform you of our efforts to not only control expenses wherever possible, but also save for the future. We would rather plan now than ask for a large referendum amount later and we currently have no debt.
Your tax bill is – first and foremost - primarily a function of government spending. The allocation of the annual series of levy requests can vary depending on homeowner and commercial property values. Cuba Township property values have been reassessed, in accordance with state laws, and your corresponding tax bills will reflect the new valuations.
We wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah. The Christmas season is a reminder to be kind to one another, set our differences aside, and help those in need. Now carry on with watching your favorite Hallmark Christmas movies!
Joyously,
Chris Karam
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Cuba Township is closed on the following dates:
- Christmas Day, Monday, December 25, 2023
- New Year's Day, Monday January 1, 2024
Cuba Township residents in need may be eligible for various programs, including utility assistance, such as LIHEAP and Nicor Sharing, emergency assistance, and food pantry programs. Please visit our website for a complete list of assistance services.
****Appointments for services are REQUIRED****
Passport Services
Passport Applications: Passport processing takes 3-5 weeks for expedited processing and 7-10 weeks for standard processing. Passport appointments are required - call 847-381-1924 to schedule an appointment. To check the status of your passport, click here.
Visit Travel.state.gov's renewal page if you want to renew an adult passport.
Food Pantry
The Tuesday food pantry continues weekly, by appointment only, from 10 AM to 1 PM. If you need food assistance, please email info@cubatwpil.gov or call 847-381-1924.
Below is a list of needed items:
- Toilet Paper and Paper Towels
- Canned chicken, salmon, spam, and tuna
- Canned meals including chili (mild), stew, and pork & beans
- Pasta and jars of meat sauce
- Peanut butter
- Soups including vegetable, chicken noodle, and any chunky soups
- Strawberry or cherry jam
- Tomatoes - whole, crushed, stewed, or paste
Visit the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) Online Portal for Reduced Fare and Ride Free Customers
The RTA'S Fare Programs Online is a web-based online customer portal that allows residents with disabilities and seniors to apply for, replace, and renew Reduced Fare and Ride Free Permits. It's quick and easy to use - go to Fares.RTAChicago.org.
Barrington PACE Service
The Pace program is subsidized by Cuba and Barrington Townships, as well as the Villages of Barrington, Lake Barrington, North Barrington, South Barrington, and Tower Lakes.
The service is available to seniors and disabled persons, Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM. The fares are $2.00 each way. Advanced reservations are recommended and may be made by calling 1-800-451-4599, Monday - Friday, from 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM.
For questions and concerns call Pace customer service at 800-606-1282, option 2.
Ride Lake County - PACE Service
Seniors aged 60+ and people with disabilities interested in using the new service are encouraged to register by calling the Pace Call Center at 1-800-201-6446.
Registering early for Ride Lake County will allow riders to schedule trips. Seniors must provide their date of birth at registration, and individuals with disabilities must provide their RTA Reduced Fare Permit number at registration. Learn more
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LIHEAP & Nicor Sharing Applications Available
Appointments Required
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Applications for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and Nicor Sharing Program are still available.
View income guidelines (left) and required documentation for applicants. Call 847-381-1924 to make an appointment.
Documentation:
- Proof of income from all household members for the 30 days prior to the date of application.
- Most recent, original utility bills - must be in the name of the applicant.
- Proof of Social Security numbers for all household members.
- Applicant Identification (Driver's License or State ID).
- Renters must provide a copy of their lease.
ee
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Monthly Board Meeting set for Thursday, December 14, 2023
The Monthly Board Meeting is set for Thursday, December 14, 2023, at 6:00 PM. Click here to view the Monthly Board Meeting Agenda.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve you.
Sincerely,
Heidi Shannon
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Assessor Nicole E. Knapik, CIAO | |
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Dear Neighbors,
NOTICE: The Cuba Township Assessor's Office will be closed at noon on Friday, December 8, 2023.
If you purchased your home this year, remember to file for your 2024 exemptions beginning January, 2024! If you need assistance, schedule an appointment by calling 847-381-1120. Below is a list of the most common exemptions. Visit our Tax Relief page for more information.
General Homestead Exemption (GHE)
If you purchased a residence in Cuba Township in 2023 and it is your primary residence, you may be eligible for the General Homestead Exemption (GHE). The GHE for 2024 is $8,000.
Senior Citizen Homestead Exemption (SCHE)
If you purchased a residence in Cuba Township in 2023, are 65 or older, and it is your primary residence, you may be eligible for the Senior Citizen Homestead Exemption (SCHE). The SCHE for $8,000 in 2024.
Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption (SCAFHE)
Homeowners 65 or older with an income of $65,000 or less may qualify for the Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze. Beginning January 2022, proof of income must be filed along with Senior Freeze applications. You must own the property as your principal residence for two consecutive years (January 1).
Homestead Exemption for Persons with Disabilities (HEPD)
This exemption may be claimed in addition to the General Homestead Exemption and the Senior Homestead Exemption, if applicable. Applicants must be disabled under the Federal Social Security Act and supply evidence of disability, in addition to completing the PTAX-343 Application for Homestead Exemption for Persons with Disabilities and PTAX-343-A Physician's Statement.
Standard Homestead Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities
You may claim this exemption in addition to the General Homestead Exemption and the Senior Homestead Exemption. Disabled veterans qualify if they have at least 30% and up to 100% service-connected disability. Evidence of disability is required along with the completed PTAX-342 Application for Homestead Exemption and PTAX-342-A Annual Verification of Eligibility.
Filing for exemptions is quick and easy through Lake County's Smartfile E-Filing Portal. If you cannot file online, please contact our office at info@cubaassessoril.gov or 847-381-1120 to schedule an appointment
We are here to serve you!
Nicole E. Knapik, CIAO
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Highway Commissioner Thomas J Podgorski | |
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For the latest updates on roads, please follow us on Facebook!
Firewood Fridays
December dates are Friday, December 1, and December 15. Pick-up begins at 7:30 AM and ends at 2:30 PM or sooner if supply runs out. Firewood pick-up is subject to cancellation due to weather conditions. If you are not registered, contact Sue at 847-381-7793 and register your name and address.
"Light Up" Cuba Township
Days are getting shorter and we want our residents safe when walking, running, and cycling. We highly recommend reflective gear and bike/running lights, so you will "light up" as motorists pass you by.
Driveway Alert for Unincorporated Homeowners
If you are a homeowner in unincorporated Lake County and planning to put in a new driveway over an existing culvert, please contact the Cuba Township Road District to inspect the culvert.
Instruction for Trees or Limbs Touching Utility Lines or power outages
If you have issues with trees or limbs touching utility lines, you must contact the utility company directly. The Township cannot trim trees or limbs within 10 feet of utility lines.
If trees are blocking the road, dial 911.
Mailbox Check
Be sure to check your mailbox post before the snow begins. Most mailboxes knocked over during a snow event are commonly due to weak bases.
Need to report a pothole?
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State roads report to IDOT at (800) 452-4368 or visit IDOT site.
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Lake County roads - (847) 377-7400 or visit LCDOT site.
- Unincorporated Cuba Township Roads - 847-381-7793
The Road District does not offer recycling. Visit LRS Recycling, Wauconda Recycling, or Solid Waste Agency of Lake County.
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Thanks-Gifting Holiday Food Drive
Santa is joining Countryside Fire Protection District in collecting all food donations at the Kelsey Road House on Saturday, December 16 from Noon to 3 PM. We look forward to seeing you there!
Participating food drive locations are listed below:
- Kelsey Road House, 352 Kelsey Road
- Re/Max Properties Northwest, 5043 Shoreline
- Signarama, 28038 W Commercial Ave, Ste 1
- SauerHomes
- The Onion Pub, 22221 N Pepper Road
- Pepper Park Coffee, 22000 N Pepper Road
- Edward Jones (Bill Collingbourne), 5051 Shoreline
- The Village of Lake Barrington, 23860 N Old Barrington Road
- American Reclaim, 990 W Northwest Highway
- Angel Water, 28214 Northwest Highway
- Wild Asparagus Fine Catering, 22000 N Pepper Rd, Unit #D
- DIBI Menswear, 28686 W Northwest Highway
- Domanico's Steakhouse, 28686 W Northwest Highway
- Mercy Health, 500 W Route 22
- The Lodge@LBS, 64 Old Barn Road
- Outdoor Interiors, 21969 N Pepper Road
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Join us - Eliminate Textile and Shoe Landfill Waste | |
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Clothing and Textile and Reuse-A-Shoe Drop-Off Location – SWALCO Partnership
Did you know clothing is now the fastest growing waste in the US waste stream today? Join us in dropping off used clothing, linens, and shoes at the Cuba Township Textile, and Reuse-A-Shoe drop-off locations in partnership with SWALCO.
Clothing, textile, and shoe recycling is a full-circle program, diverting your new and gently used donations from landfills.
Unacceptable Items:
- Wet, odorous, or moldy items
- Nylons and Pantyhose
- Fabric Scraps
- Craft Scraps (yarns, threads & other craft materials)
- Pillows
- Sleeping Bags
- Mattresses
- Rugs
- Carpet
- Cushions
- Foam furniture and foam mats
- Large Luggage
- Electric Blankets & Mattress Pads
- Non-Fabric Household Linens: Vinyl Shower Curtains, tablecloths, furniture covers, etc.
Shoes
Dress boots, hiking boots, and rain boots are accepted. NO WINTER BOOTS ALLOWED. Shoes in any condition, from new or gently used, to those that are worn, will be accepted. And, the great news is that 95% or more of all the materials collected will be recycled or reused.
Before dropping off your shoes, please tie the laces of each pair together; if they are sandals or have no laces, please place a rubber band on the pair to keep the shoes together.
UNACCEPTABLE ITEMS include Roller Blades, Ice Skates, and Winter Boots.
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Secretary of State Implements Skip-the-Line Program
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In an effort to improve customer service and eliminate the unpredictability of wait times at Illinois DMVs, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias will implement the Skip-the-Line program on September 1.
- Required appointments will reduce wait times.
- Extended hours offer more availability.
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ILSOS.gov offers a variety of services that do not require an in-person visit to a facility or office.
The Skip-the-Line Program includes:
Appointment scheduling — Customers will be required to make appointments for in-person visits at 44 of the busiest DMVs. All Chicago and suburban locations and select central and downstate DMVs will require an appointment for REAL IDs, driver’s licenses and ID card services, and in-car driving tests.
Vehicle-related services – such as titles, registrations or license plate renewals – do not require an appointment.
Please visit ilsos.gov or call (844) 817-4649 to schedule an appointment.
New extended hours of operation — Every DMV will extend hours of operation beginning September 1. Select facilities will be open six days a week – Monday through Saturday.
All DMVs will have hours of operation from Mon-Fri, 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
16 DMVs will be open on Saturday, 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
(Please visit ilsos.gov for location information.)
Simplified online services — Customers are encouraged to visit ilsos.gov to take advantage of many online services, including renewals of driver’s licenses, ID cards and plate stickers.
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Homebound and need a State ID? | |
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The Homebound State ID program is a service program for older adults, bedridden individuals and people with disabilities who are unable to leave their homes to obtain a state ID card from a Secretary of State facility. The card may be used for identification purposes in the same way as a standard driver’s license is used for identification.
Certain documents are required to obtain the card. Once an applicant submits the information via our web form below, we will determine eligibility and the documents required to complete the transaction. For assistance to help determine if you or your loved one qualifies for this service, call 312-814-3121.
Quick Links
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Veterans Assistance Commission of Lake County | |
The Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC) promotes the welfare of honorably discharged veterans of military service and their families. The VAC acts as a central service office for all veteran organizations and has general oversight of the distribution of emergency assistance to military veterans and their families.
Types of Assistance
- Assistance with rental and mortgage payments.
- Utility payment assistance.
- Emergency medical care is provided to any member of the Veteran’s
- immediate family who qualifies. Medical care includes hospital payments,
- outpatient care provided by Lake County clinics, and emergency dental, and vision
- care.
- Job service assistance.
- Food, clothing, and other supplies at Midwest Veterans Closet.
- Proper burial for indigent veterans.
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NAMI Barrington Area Educational Programs |
Below are just a couple of NAMI Barrington's resources. Please visit NAMI Barrington to see a complete menu of resources.
NAMI Basics is a class for parents and other family caregivers of children and adolescents who have either been diagnosed with a mental health condition or who are experiencing symptoms but have not yet been diagnosed. Learn More
NAMI Family-to-Family
NAMI Family-to-Family is a class for families, partners and friends of individuals with mental illness. The course is designed to facilitate a better understanding of mental illness, increase coping skills and empower participants to become advocates for their family members. This program was designated as an evidence-based program by SAMHSA. Learn More
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Lake County Mobile Response Team | |
Are you or someone you know experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis? Lake County has a Mobile Response Team to help! Call (847) 377-8088. Please help spread the word.
The Mobile Response Program supports people wherever and whenever they need it. A trained Mobile Response Team consisting of a Mental Health Clinician and an Engagement Specialist will be dispatched to individuals experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis.
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How to Dispose of Batteries - Home Depot |
Home Depot offers recycling of batteries at their Call2Recylce site located at the Home Depot, 670 S Rand Rd in Lake Zurich.
Click here for a review of how to dispose of batteries and how to recycle batteries. It includes information on single-use batteries and rechargeable batteries.
Not all batteries are accepted at Home Depot. Please click here and confirm your batteries will be accepted.
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Cork Recycling Now Available |
Cork recycling is now available at the following location:
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REAL ID goes into effect on May 7, 2025 | |
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For Illinois residents who fly domestically, the federal government extended the deadline to May 7, 2025, which requires you to use a valid US Passport or obtain a REAL ID from the Illinois Secretary of State's Office. Take time to know your options. For information on other types of identification accepted by TSA, Please visit the TSA website.
To see what documents you need to apply for a REAL ID, visit the REAL ID Interactive Checklist. Come prepared and be patient when visiting a Driver Services Facility.
All Driver Services facilities are issuing REAL IDs, with the exception of mobile units and express facilities. To find the nearest facility, visit Facility Finder.
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Job Center of Lake County offers a host of services including:
- Resource Library
- "Who's Hiring" list
- Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Opportunities
- Free online webinars
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The Barrington Career Center offers resources including:
- Job search skills training
- Coaching
- Career transition services
- Compassionate support
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Community Partner Information | |
County Board Commissioners
Illinois State Legislators
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