May, 2024


Serving Our Community


Road District: 847-381-7793

Township Office: 847-381-1924

Assessor's Office: 847-381-1120

Supervisor Christopher Karam

Christos Anesti! [if you know you know]. We are looking forward to a fantastic finish to Spring, school being out for summer and our upcoming event calendar. Thank you to those who participated in the April shred and electronic recycling event. We have heard your feedback on our recycling programs and are committed to enhancing our residents' experience.

 

We are pleased to announce a SWALCO donation of 20 cubic yards of compost available to Cuba Township residents on Saturday, May 11, 2024, from 10 AM - 3 PM. This gift we share with you in celebration of International Compost Awareness Week (ICAW). Stop by with a 20-gallon bucket and fill it with compost for your garden. We will have free seeds for the first 150 attendees, and promotional materials focused on Compost Awareness Week (May 5 - May 11).

 

We are quickly gearing up for our annual celebratory Land We Love Run/Walk which includes a 2K walk, 5K and 10K runs beginning at the Cuba Township Office and heading into the Village of Barrington Hills. We are expecting another tremendous turnout on Saturday, June 29, 2024. The race proceeds will be donated to Folds of Honor. Folds of Honor provides scholarships to family members of fallen and disabled service members. Sign up early at the Village of Barrington Hills website. We are accepting sponsorships for this year’s event and invite you to join us in any way possible on June 29.


Thank you to Miranda Belcore and the families at Roslyn Road Elementary School for the end-of-year food drive and recycle-a-shoe delivery. If you are interested in hosting a food drive or recycle-a-shoe event, contact Antonietta Simonian at 847-381-1924.

 

Happy Mother’s Day to all moms, grandmothers, godmothers, and aunts out there doing the most important job in the world. Our children would be lost without your love and guidance.

 

The end of May is a time to remember those who have fallen defending our great nation. Please take the time this Memorial Day to attend a local service or pay your respects. We would not have the freedoms we enjoy today without the sacrifices of those who have passed. Memorial Day is not just about the beginning of summer!

 

 

Sincerely,

Chris Karam

Township Services

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 2-3 weeks for expedited processing and 6-8 weeks for standard processing. Expedited processing is an additional $60 per passport. 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
  • 32 oz bottles of liquid laundry detergent
  • 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 - 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.


Metra Access Pilot Program

Metra Access is a pilot program running through July 31, 2025 that provides a reduced fare on all Metra lines and zones for individuals enrolled in the SNAP program who live within the RTA six-county region (Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will counties). In order to apply, you will need a SNAP eligibility letter, government-issued ID, and 2" photo of yourself. You may apply at 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 required 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 Ride Lake County 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

LIHEAP & Nicor Sharing Applications Available

Appointments Required

Applications for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and Nicor Sharing Program are still available.

 

View the income guidelines below and the required documentation for applicants.


Call 847-381-1924 to make an appointment.

 

Documentation:


  • Proof of income from all household members for the 30 days before 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.


Clerk Heidi M Shannon

Cuba Township's Monthly Meeting is set for Thursday, May 9, 2024, beginning at 6:00 PM at the Cuba Township Office located at 28000 W Cuba Road in Barrington. Members of the public are welcome. Click here for the Agenda. 


Thank you for the opportunity to serve you!


Sincerely,

Heidi Shannon

Assessor Nicole E. Knapik, CIAO

Dear Neighbors,


Lake County property tax bills are on the way!

Lake County Property Tax bills are being mailed May 1 and in mailboxes by the end of the week. The bill is payable in two equal installments. The first installment is due June 5th and the second is due September 5th. Please note; Lake County residents receive a single tax bill for both installments. If you do not receive your tax bill, a copy can be obtained through Cuba Township's IMS portal. Just type in your address or PIN and scroll to the bottom of the page, where links to view your property tax bill and current exemptions are available.


The Lake County Treasurer's Office lists the following payment options:


Prepare for sticker shock this tax year

Approximately 32 years ago, the Illinois Property Tax Extension and Limitation Law (PTELL) was passed in suburban Collar Counties including Lake, McHenry, and Dupage counties. The law allowed taxing districts to receive a limited inflation-related annual increase and capped the impact to 5% or CPI, whichever is lower. This marks the second year in a row where taxing bodies had the opportunity to increase their "levy extension" (total taxes billed to property owners) by 5% over the previous year. While my office was hopeful local taxing bodies would refrain from increasing their extensions by 5%, a few taxing districts did. Mathematically speaking, higher property values (EAV) should lead to lower tax rates. However, increased property values and record tax extensions (levies) resulted in higher tax bills. If you are interested in viewing the year-over-year tax rate increase for local governments within Cuba Township click here.


The only way to decrease taxes is to reduce spending and allow bonds to expire.


Tax Relief Exemptions

Remember to file for your 2024 qualifying exemptions if you purchased your home last year. 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.


Filing for exemptions is quick and easy through Lake County's Smartfile E-Filing Portal. If you can't file online, you may contact our office at info@cubaassessoril.gov or 847-381-1120 to schedule an appointment.


General Homestead Exemption (GHE)

If you purchased a residence in Cuba Township in 2023 and it is your principal residence, you may be eligible for the General Homestead Exemption (GHE). The GHE for 2024 is $8,000.



Senior Citizen Homestead Exemption (SHE)

If you or your spouse turn 65 at any time in 2024, and your property is your principal residence, you may be eligible for the Senior Citizen Homestead Exemption. The SHE for 2024 is $8,000. There is no income requirement and no annual renewal.


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). If you currently receive the Senior Freeze, the Lake County Assessor's Office mailed reminder letters in March. The SCAFHE must be filed annually to ensure eligibility based on income.


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.


We are here to serve you!


Nicole E. Knapik, CIAO

Highway Commissioner Thomas J Podgorski

For the latest updates on roads, please follow us on Facebook!


The Cuba Township Road District operates 24/7 during inclement weather. You may call us if the matter concerns falling trees blocking roads. Please get in touch with your utility company for power outages.



Phase One Road Paving Begins Mid-June

Timberlakes Road east of Maplewood to Cuba Township border

Greenwood Lane

Wildwood Drive




Mulch Madness!

Mulch is now available for delivery to Cuba Township residents ONLY, for a delivery charge of $125.00 per truckload. Mulch is delivered on Fridays from 7:30 AM - 2:30 PM. Each load is 6-8 yards. The mulch is a double-ground mixture of hard and softwoods from removed Cuba Township trees. Email Sue at info@cubaroads.org or call 847-381-7793 to schedule your delivery.


Self-Serve Mulch

Self-serve mulch is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. The mulch pile is located next to the textile recycling bin in the same lot as the road salt.


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, 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, 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.


Need to report a pothole?


  • 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.

Join us - Eliminate Textile and Shoe Landfill Waste

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.


Clothing/Textiles

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.

SWALCO Household Chemical Waste Begins!


SWALCO’s HCW collection program diverts HCW from the municipal waste stream by sending it to IEPA-approved recycling and reuse facilities thereby reducing the volume and toxicity of our municipal waste stream. Our HCW program is a hybrid program consisting of year-round public drop-off events (at our Gurnee facility) and mobile collection events (various locations throughout Lake County). This hybrid program is the first of its kind in the State of Illinois providing residents increased accessibility and year-round “disposal” opportunities. BUSINESS/COMMERCIAL WASTE will not be accepted. NO LATEX PAINT!


Learn more and make an appointment here.

Homebound and need a State ID?

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


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.


For more information, please visit their website: https://www.vaclc.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lakecountyvac/ or call 847.377.3344

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.

Cork Recycling Now Available

Cork recycling is now available at the following location:

REAL ID goes into effect on May 7, 2025

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.

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

Visit the Job Center's website for more information.
The Barrington Career Center offers resources including:

  • Job search skills training
  • Coaching
  • Career transition services
  • Compassionate support

Visit the Barrington Career Center for more information.

Community Partner Information

County Board Commissioners
Illinois State Legislators
Cuba Township| Website