Firefighter Pensions

A Friend of McHenry County Blog tallied the following pension information for firefighters from the Illinois State Comptroller’s web site: In 2007 there were 3,753 retired firefighters and 9,039 active firefighters. In 2016 there were 5,069 retired firefighters and 9,160 … Continue reading

Lakewood’s National Night Out Held Despite Afternoon of Rain

Mid-afternoon one could have been excused if one thought Police and Fire National Nights Out events throughout McHenry County would be cancelled. The sky cleared up, however, allowing the Village of Lakewood and other municipalities to hold their community relations … Continue reading

Lakewood Joins Police Departments’ National Night Out on Tuesday

For the first time in my memory the Lakewood Police Department is holding a National Night Out Tuesday from 5:30 to 8:30 at Redtail Golf Course, according to Chief Mike Roth. “There will be food, music, and fund for the … Continue reading

CL Rural FPD – Unclear on the Process

The Crystal Lake Rural Fire Protection District has a “black box” ad in the Northwest Herald today. When a tax districts asks for more than 5% more than it received the year before, this newspaper revenue enhancer must be published. … Continue reading

Crystal Lake Taxpayers Owe Tens of Millions to the Crystal Lake Police and Fire Pension Funds

Commenter Mark does a lot of research, which he shares under various stories. Today, inspired by Mayor Aaron Shepley’s endorsement of Democrat Jack Franks, he looks at Crystal Lake city finances. Does endorsing Franks mean the Crystal Lake City Council … Continue reading

Fire Protection District Taxation

Here’s what Fire Protection Districts have been taxing for the last two years: Fire Protection District INCR / DECR INCR / DECR 2015 – 2014 2014 – 2013 IN TOTAL TAX IN TOTAL TAX BARRINGTON COUNTRY ($24,849.10) $55,835.84 RICHMOND ($3,813.48) … Continue reading

Tax Dollars at CL Expo

It’s less than three weeks after the Primary Election. I went to the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce’s Business Expo searching things political and governmental. In its usual space right to the right after the entrance at South High School … Continue reading

Lakewood’s Erin Smith’s Winter Letter

Here is the winter quarterly letter Lakewood Village President sent her constituents: From the President Dear Neighbors: On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we want to extend our very best wishes for a joyous holiday season to each of … Continue reading

South High School Honors First Responders

Crystal Lake South High School staff and students served breakfast to police, fire and rescue squads on September 11th/ It was to honor and recognize the Crystal Lake and Lake in the Hills Police, Fire and Rescue Squads for their service … Continue reading