Letter From the Village President
Dear Residents,
The Village needs your help!
Some people may wonder where a Village gets it's funds for everyday operations. The smaller the Village, the smaller the operating funds. We have a very small sales tax base here, so, not a lot comes from that. Village stickers are a small source of revenue. Property taxes mostly goes to school districts and fire districts. We also get from the state, per capita, our share of the 8% of state income tax receipts the state collects. While Pat Quinn was in office, we really never knew if or when we would get our share. The 8 % has been lowered several times because the state decided they needed it more than the municipalities needed it. They told us to "tighten our belts". Here in McCullom Lake, our belts have been tight long before the state told us we needed too. The Village Board has done a fantastic job of getting the job done with less. Since the economy took its dive in 2008 and 2009, we have maintained our services and even built a new Village Hall without having to go to the residents for more. Now, we have a new man in charge down state. And, he wants our small share of the state income tax receipts. He claims, that it is just a small part of our operating budget. We need to "tighten our belts as the state had to" according to Gov. Bruce Rauner. This, folks, won't work. Our Police work mostly from grant money, public works gets most of its money from Motor Fuel Tax revenue and some from grants. Parks and beach operates from mostly hard working volunteers. There is more volunteer work done in this Village than anywhere. The reason most people volunteer here, is so others can enjoy what we have here now and maybe later on down the road, they can have the time to enjoy the same things themselves. I can't thank all those people enough. What we need from every resident is, contact your state legislators, Senator Pam Althoff, Rep. Mike Tryon, Rep. Jack Franks and even the Govenor's office, and let them know that the state got itself in this situation and it is not up to the Municipalities to get them out of it. Without our share of the state income tax, we will have to cut things. I won't know where to start as we just get by now. I am proud of how we have been able to stay afloat when some many other Municipalities have had to make cuts. If the state just leaves us to take care of ourselves, we will continue to be fine. Thank You!
Respectfully,
Terry Counley
A very warm welcome goes out to Brianna Cesaroni, our new full time Deputy Clerk. We are happy to have her on board! Stop in to say "HI" !
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
SAVE THE DATE!
Village Steak Fry
Saturday, May 2 at the Village Hall
Tickets $25.00 per person
Grand Prize - Flat Screen TV
Raffles - Cash Prizes - Good Times
Doors open at 6:00 PM
Dinner served from 6:30 - 8:30 PM
Music and Dancing till 11:00 PM
FOOD DRIVE A HUGE SUCCESS!
On Friday 2-27-15 and Saturday 2-28-15 members of Neighbors Helping Neighbors collected food and cash items at Angelo's Fresh Market in McHenry. The customers were very generous and at the conclusion of the food drive, it was estimated that the food and dry goods amounted to about 750-800 lbs.! In addition, the volunteers collected $597.00 in cash and gift cards. NHN split the food and cash equally between F.I.S.H. food pantry and Wonder Lake food pantry.
We are very thankful for Angelo at Fresh Market. With his help, our food drive was a huge success!
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The US Cencus Bureau is seeking Field Representatives in McHenry County to interview respondents. Pay ranges from $13.55 - $14.84 per hour, depending on location.
Call for Test Scheduling at:
1-800-865-6384, Extension 15
Hickory Lodge 
3018 Hickory Drive
(formerly All Sports)
Is now serving breakfast on Sundays! A full breakfast menu will be available from 8:00 AM until 2:00 PM. Call Cara at Hickory Lodge with any questions - 815-344-3455
With so many nonprofit organizations within McHenry County, finding help can be confusing. United Way 2-1-1 provides an easy way to access help with challenges. Dialing 2-1-1 from any phone will connect you to a cell center that will direct you to the right social service agency or nonprofit organization. Trained specialists can help and offer information and referrals for services such as rent and utility assistance, food banks, affordable housing, child and elder care, financial counseling, job training and more. 2-1-1 is easy to remember, accessible to everyone, and available 24/7/365 at no cost!
Get connected with 2-1-1 to reach help, or visit www.findhelp211.org
United Way 2-1-1 can also be reached at
(309)827-4005 or (800)570-7284
Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, April 4 at the Village Beach Park
1:30 p.m.
NEW!! FREE!!
Bicycle Safety Course and Bicycle Registration
Saturday,April 18
10:00 AM at Village Hall
Learn the Rules of the Road for bicycles and general safety for cyclists. Register your bike for easier tracking if lost or stolen. All ages are welcome. It is suggested that an adult accompany minors.
March/April
