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Chicago Tribune
3 days ago
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
City unveils $292M budget with flat tax levy; ‘It is all about rebuilding Waukegan'
It took Waukegan Mayor Sam Cunningham less than a month after taking office to make critical elements of his plan for the city part of the 2026 fiscal year budget, with significant money for capital improvements for the next three years and necessary personnel to make plans flow smoothly. Proposing a record budget of more than $292.2 million for the fiscal year ending April 30, against just over $262.9 million in revenue, Interim Finance Director Don Schultz said the city will use slightly less than $29.3 million of the city's reserves — 16.2% of non-pension reserves. Schultz described the budget as one that will include $76.3 million for capital improvements, nearly $124 million for workers' salaries and benefits, $1 million to start planning improvements to the Washington Street corridor and $10.6 million to continue lead service line replacements. 'This is the largest capital improvement project we've ever had,' Schultz said during a public hearing on the budget before the City Council's Finance Committee Wednesday. 'This is for three years of projects.' 'My capital improvement plan is part of our five-year plan,' Cunningham added. 'It is all about rebuilding Waukegan.' The City Council is scheduled to vote on the budget for the 2026 fiscal year at 7 p.m. Monday at City Hall to officially enact the spending plan for the city through April 30. Of the city's 529 employees, 445 — 84.1% — are with the police, fire or public works departments, which includes the water plant. The total planned expense for personnel is $124 million. Other than personnel and $76 million for capital improvements, other major expenses include another $49 million for contracted services, $22.8 million for police and fire pension contributions and $22.8 million for workers' compensation and liability insurance. With total revenue of slightly more than $262.9 million in revenue, $120.8 million will come from taxes, of which around $37 million is property taxes. The City Council kept the real estate tax levy flat again this year. Among new positions created in the budget are an environmental specialist and several special projects analysts. Cunningham said the environmental specialist is needed based on Waukegan's history of environmental issues, from five Superfund sites to coal ash and ethylene oxide. 'In the last 30 years, Waukegan has had its share of environmental issues,' he said. 'We need someone who is aware of our environmental issues and understands the regulatory process. They will guide us in relation to the environmental issues of our community.' With a variety of issues facing the city, which have a number of parts, Cunningham said the special project analysts' role will be to responsibly manage them to eliminate any potential confusion. 'For the casino, they will be the one person working with the developer,' he said. 'The same thing with the College of Lake County (Urban Farm) project. The same thing with Chick-fil-A,' he added, referring to a new restaurant in the Fountain Square area where manufacturers and the restaurant are at odds. With significant attention on infrastructure in the next few years, Schultz said two of the special project analysts will be assigned to the public works department. Three more will work out of the mayor's office, and one in the water department. A few days before he took office, Cunningham said infrastructure is a high priority, particularly the Washington Street corridor. Now it is part of the budget, with enough allocated to cover three years of projects. 'We're been talking about it for a long time, and it's time to get it done,' Cunningham said at that time. 'We'll do curbs, gutters and sidewalks. We will repave the surface.'
Chicago Tribune
13-05-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Officials urge Lake County grads to apply for scholarships; ‘A lot go unclaimed'
As high school seniors graduate this month in Waukegan, North Chicago and other parts of Lake County, scholarships small and large remain available for those trying to lessen — or even eliminate — the financial burden of going to college. Bari Schwartz, the college and career counselor at Waukegan High School's Washington Campus, said even students who receive a full ride with tuition, room and board, find they still have expenses related to their post-secondary education. 'We call it stacking scholarships,' she said. 'They play a huge role in filling the gap and eliminating (or reducing) the need for loans. An extra $500 here, or $1,500 there, can help with books, fees and supplies.' Scholarships large and small, some of which may go unclaimed, remain available for graduating seniors in Lake County, allowing them to more completely finance their education, from community colleges to elite private universities. As a Title 1 district, all students at places like Waukegan, North Chicago, Zion-Benton and Round Lake high schools qualify for financial aid. Schwartz said 100% of those going to college from Waukegan are receiving some form of relief from the costs of college. When students start looking at college, whether at a four-year university or a community college like the College of Lake County (CLC), Schwartz said there is an online platform to educate them about their options. It helps find the best fit in terms of schools and available scholarships. Schwartz said the cost of a four-year university can range from slightly less than $30,000 a year at state schools like Northern Illinois, to more than $40,000 at the University of Illinois. The expense of an elite private institution like Northwestern University can exceed $90,000 per year. Though some schools will cover all costs, including incidentals like books and fees, she said often there is a gap between the total cost and the financial aid a school offers. A gap can mean repaying loans for years, or obtaining smaller scholarships available from a variety of places. 'We call that stacking scholarships from places like the Lions Club or the (Waukegan) Township,' Schwartz said. 'They can add up for a number of needs like books, fees, supplies or a computer. A lot go unclaimed. People should really look for them.' Waukegan Township is offering 10 scholarships this year. Township Supervisor Marc Jones said that the deadline to apply has not passed for any of them. Some requirements are the same, and some are more specific. College-bound students who live in Waukegan Township have until May 30 to apply for five $1,000 Waukegan Township scholarships. Applicants must be township residents, supply three letters of recommendation, a 500-word essay on the role of the township in today's society and a letter of acceptance from the school. Along with the township scholarships, Jones said four $1,000 grants are available to students attending a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) and either went on the annual tour of HBCU schools or the township's HBCU Experience. The deadline is June 30. 'They must show proof of enrollment and write a 400-word essay on why they are attending a HBCU and what they hope to gain from the HBCU experience,' Jones said. Lake County residents seeking a degree in criminal justice, psychology or human services can apply for the township's $5,000 Coalitions to Reduce Recidivism scholarship. Jones said it requires three letters of recommendation, a 250-word essay on the importance of recidivism in the community and how the degree will enable them to better serve the community. Jones said the current coalition scholarship is for the 2026-2027 school year, and the deadline is Oct. 14. Though the Waukegan Park District's five $1,000 scholarships were already awarded, Josue Pasillas, the organization's communications manager, encouraged students to apply next year. He said they can be a supplement to other financial aid. They go to people interested in a career in parks and recreation. Waukegan to College, an organization that helps students as young as middle schoolers navigate the path to a higher education, will send 37 participants to college in the fall. Executive Director Aaron Arnold said all have some sort of financial aid. 'Our goal is that 80% of our students will have less than a $3,500 gap,' Arnold said. 'We had 37 seniors apply to 373 colleges. They were accepted to 184, and more than $27 million in financial aid was offered.' Arnold is also a believer in stacking. While the goal is 80% of students have a gap of $3,500 or less, he said he wants to see all of them get the gap number to zero. The less the financial burden, the easier it is to focus on education, he said. 'Every little bit helps because something can always come up,' Arnold said. 'It can help with meal planning. There is a percentage of college students who experience food insecurity. It can be the difference at times between eating or not eating,' he added, noting not all meal plans are alike. North Chicago School District 187 has its own plan to help college-bound North Chicago Community High School graduates. This year, 23 seniors are receiving a Warhawk-Lancer scholarship, and three more are part of the early childhood apprenticeship program. District 187 Superintendent John Price said Warhawk-Lancer recipients receive tuition, books and fees at CLC for three years, a $3,500 annual stipend and a laptop computer. In its sixth year, 103 people have received the award. High school graduates in North Chicago who want a career in early childhood education can become employees of District 187, which includes union membership. Price said tuition toward an associate's degree in early childhood education is for eight semesters and is included as well. 'They can go on to a four-year school or become paraprofessionals in District 187,' Price said. 'As union members, they get a nice pay bump.' Schwartz said some scholarships remain available besides the ones offered by the township. They are both local and national. For students attending one of nine colleges through the University Center of Lake County in Grayslake, there are $2,100 grants available through June 30. Applicants for the University Center scholarships need recommendations and must write an essay. They are good for those going to the University of Illinois at Champaign, the University of Illinois at Springfield, the University of Illinois Chicago Circle, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, University of Southern Illinois at Edwardsville, Northern Illinois University, Northeastern Illinois University and National Lewis University.
Chicago Tribune
05-05-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Ground broken for College of Lake County's Urban Farm Center; ‘It will nourish the spirit of our community'
Harvesting 4,000 heads of lettuce every two weeks, and 2,000 pounds of tomatoes every few months, is not a common occurrence in downtown Waukegan, but by the end of next year it could be a reality. Eliza Fournier, the Urban Farm Center Director at the College of Lake County, said when the farm is built, two-thirds of the 24,000-square-foot building will be devoted to hydroponic farming, with fresh produce grown 12 months a year. 'This will be the most affordable food grown without chemicals,' Fournier said. 'The center will be a model for urban farming, demonstrating how we can grow food in the heart of Waukegan. This space will demonstrate how nutritious food can be affordable, accessible and fun.' Fournier and CLC President Lori Suddick led a large group from the community formally breaking ground for the Urban Farm Center Friday at the school's growing Lakeshore Campus in downtown Waukegan, representing another step in the growth of the area. Jesus Ruiz, the dean of the Lakeshore Campus, said the farm means a lot to the city where he was raised after immigrating as a child from Mexico. He is excited about what it will do for his hometown. 'This is progress for our downtown,' Ruiz said. '(It) will revitalize not only our campus, but breathe new life into downtown Waukegan,' Ruiz said. 'This space will provide fresh, nutritious, locally grown food right here. More than that, it will nourish the spirit of our community.' Suddick said construction will start as soon as permits are secured from the city. All other approvals are in order. She anticipates completion by the end of 2026. It will be located on Sheridan Road adjacent to the five-story student center opened in 2023. Lettuce and tomatoes are not the only planned crops. Fournier said there will be mushrooms, herbs, peppers and more. All farming will be hydroponic. Students will have an opportunity to not only learn, but also find work. Along with growing fresh produce to be sold at a market in the farm structure, Fournier said the building will also be a place where food entrepreneurs can grow their business in a state-of-the-art commercial kitchen. She sees it becoming a 'community hub.' 'Our vision is to ensure this Urban Farm Center becomes a vibrant, thriving resource for everyone,' Fournier said. 'A place where we not only grow food, but we grow people, grow opportunities and grow a stronger, healthier community.' A café and market will offer 'grab and go' meals for sale prepared by those developing their business in the commercial kitchen, as well as coffee, other beverages and fresh produce. Plans call for having it open during school hours, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays and 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. It will be closed on Sunday. Unique in another way for CLC, Suddick said it is the first time in the school's history that a capital campaign was funded as a public-private partnership. Russell Bartemus approached her about the idea. Since there was no room in the budget at the time, a fundraising effort began. Plans were made, Fournier was hired and the Waukegan City Council approved the project. Still, Suddick said before construction could start, $15 million had to come from donations. By October, $9.87 million was in the bank. The goal was reached earlier this year. The school added another $3 million to complete the needed $18 million, Leigh Ann Jacobson, the executive director of the College of Lake County Foundation, said another $1.5 million will be raised toward the completion of the project.
Chicago Tribune
15-04-2025
- General
- Chicago Tribune
College of Lake County spotlights programs at open house; ‘We want everyone to be able to succeed'
One role of community colleges is preparing students to move on to a four-year university to earn a bachelor's degree. The College of Lake County (CLC) offers programs for that, and it also helps people like Giovanni Roncone become a firefighters after a two-year course. Already securing a job as a firefighter paramedic with a department in Lake County as he completes his two-year CLC program, Roncone, a Gurnee resident, spent time Saturday introducing others to the curriculum. 'This is a job where you really get to help people,' he said. Roncone and Paul Maplethorpe, a retired Round Lake fire chief, were among the CLC officials and students explaining more than 170 programs to more than 1,700 people at the college's open house Saturday at its locations in Waukegan, Grayslake, Gurnee and Vernon Hills. Jesus Ruiz, the dean of the Lakeshore campus in Waukegan, said a professor or department head was present for every program to tell visitors what CLC has to offer in its programs at its different locations, from the dental clinic in Waukegan to the firefighting program in Grayslake. Griselda Guzman is currently a student. She was staffing a table explaining the tuition-free programs, including one where students learn the English language and another where they do the work necessary to earn a GED — the equivalent of a high school diploma. She hopes to be a teacher. Ruiz himself was conducting tours of the Waukegan campus, explaining the different offerings. He said the GED and English language programs are important to put people in a position to benefit from everything else CLC has to offer. Though tuition is required for everything but the GED and English courses, Ruiz said no potential student will be turned away for any lack of financial resources. There are scholarships and people in the community who help make that possible. 'We have extensive scholarships and financial aid,' Ruiz said. 'Students are not turned down for financial reasons at CLC. We want everyone to be able to succeed.' Maplethorpe said he began teaching at the college in 1989. The firefighting program is a two-year course that prepares students to take the state-required exam to become firefighters and paramedics. Normally, you must have a job secured to take the test. He solved that problem. 'All the students are volunteer firefighters with the Grayslake Fire Department,' Maplethorpe said. 'That qualifies them to take the exam. Depending on the department, they will earn between $65,000 and $95,000 a year to start.' People living or working near downtown Waukegan can receive a variety of dental treatments at the CLC clinic, which prepares students for a certificate to become a dental hygienist. Danielle Thompson, who heads the program, said a visit costs $15. Treatment can include getting teeth cleaned, x-rays to determine potential needs, fluoride treatment, periodontal treatment and some general education about how to take care of your teeth. All work is overseen by a dentist or a trained dental hygienist. 'It's going to take longer than it would at a dentist's office, because the students are learning,' Thompson said. 'We can refer people to the Lake County Health Department or dentists with a sliding (fee) scale for further needed treatment.' Greeting people as they walked into the lab where students learn to become medical assistants at the Waukegan campus was Lisa Fasano, the department chair. She said a one-year certificate to become a medical assistant is offered. 'They're not nurses,' Thompson said. 'They're filling the gap as nurses become nurse practitioners. They greet patients. They take your blood pressure, weigh you, measure you and prepare you for the doctor.' People walking into the robotics lab on the Grayslake campus were greeted by Vasil Ahchiyski. He helps prepare people for careers in mechatronics, robotics and automation. Both a two-year associate degree program and a variety of certifications are offered there. 'We teach mechanical systems, electronic systems and computer technology,' Ahchiyski said. 'They learn how to use critical thinking. They learn troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.'
Chicago Tribune
31-03-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Election day in Lake County features dozens of contested races; ‘Local elections have more impact on people's lives'
Waukegan and North Chicago voters will have the opportunity to make history when they go to the polls in the 2025 general election on Tuesday. In Waukegan, voters will decide whether the city will reelect a mayor for the first time in 28 years or extend the string of one-term mayors to 32 years. In North Chicago, the people have the opportunity to keep the city's longest-serving chief executive in office for another four years. Lake County voters will pick their municipal and township officials as well as park district, library and school board members between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. Tuesday at their preferred polling place or any other location within the county. Countywide, there are 333 separate elections for candidates for office, of which 91 are contested. There are also referendums for voters in Winthrop Harbor School District 1 and the Lincolnshire-Riverwoods Fire Protection District. Though nearly 73% of the elections throughout the county are uncontested, Lake County Clerk Anthony Vega said people should vote because there is at least one choice on the ballot for all of them. 'There is the College of Lake County,' Vega said, referring to the school's Board of Trustees. 'Library boards and school districts have larger boundaries. Some are in several towns. I did my homework and will cast my ballot accordingly.' As of Sunday night, Vega said 14,501 people voted early and 18,626 vote-by-mail ballots were returned. He expects a countywide turnout of between 13% and 14%. Though turnout was much higher in the November presidential election, local races are more crucial to people's everyday lives, he said. 'Local elections have more impact on people's lives,' Vega said. 'They affect public safety, garbage pickup, the schools, the libraries.' Voters can go to their preferred polling place Tuesday or, Vega said, new this year they can go to any voting location within the county. To learn their preferred polling place, county residents can use the website, Weather is expected to be cooler than normal on Tuesday, but no snow or rain is expected, according to the National Weather Service. The temperature will be around 32 degrees when the polls open, and rise into the low 40s through the day. Waukegan Mayor Ann Taylor hopes to be the first chief executive of the city to be reelected since then-Mayor Bill Durkin did it in 1997. Former Mayor Sam Cunningham, who Taylor ousted four years ago, hopes to return to office. Along with Cunningham and Taylor, voters can also pick Ald. Keith Turner, 6th Ward, or former Ald. Harold Beadling, 4th Ward. North Chicago Mayor Leon Rockingham Jr. is seeking his sixth term in office in a race against Ald. Anthony Coleman, 2nd Ward, and community activist David Hood. Rockingham became the city's longest-serving mayor when he surpassed former Mayor Bobby Thompson's 18-year mark during his current term, according to city records. Gurnee Mayor Tom Hood is seeking a second term against Village Trustee Quin O'Brian. O'Brien was first elected in 2019 and reelected in 2023. Hood is an attorney. O'Brien started an internet-based real estate business in 2000 and is now semi-retired. Among the other election contests in Lake County, there are eight contested elections for mayors or village presidents. In Grayslake and Mundelein, the incumbent is not seeking reelection, while in the other six there is a challenge to the sitting leader. Fox Lake Village President Donald Schmit is being challenged by Sean Stochi, while Island Lake Mayor Richard McLaughlin is in a three-way race with Trustee Stacey Pyne and Brian Bartnick. Libertyville Village President Donna Johnson is facing Trustee Matthew Hickey for the top job there. In Round Lake, Village President Russell Kraly is competing against Trustee Brian Brubaker to keep his seat. Round Lake Park Mayor Linda Lucassen is facing Robert Seminary to be the town's leader. In Winthrop Harbor, Mayor Michael Bruno is locked in a race with Trustee Robert Marabella to keep his job. Mundelein Trustees Tim Wilson and Robin Meier hope to replace Mayor Steve Lentz, who is not seeking re-election. With longtime Grayslake Mayor Rhett Taylor not seeking another term, Trustee Elizabeth Davies and Jeffrey Loffredo hope to be the new leader. Waukegan Community Unit School District 60 Board of Education members Jeff McBride and Anita Hanna are seeking re-election in a seven-way race with five other candidates. They are Angela Ramirez, Tanyea Curry, Nicholas Shepherd, Randy Sobecki and Michael Rodriguez.
