The Lake County Board of Commissioners met on October 22nd and received annual updates from both the County Records office and from Environmental Services.
County Recorder and Registrar of Vital Statistics, Lori Ekstrom, outlined some of the technical updates that will help bring added efficiency to the Lake County Records office. A technology fund of around $398,000 will help modernize information technology (IT) equipment and streamline the management of county land records including the imaging of historical records, easement reviews and recording of real estate transactions. There are plans to expand the County Surveyor services and hopefully expand funding for aerial photographic work which will help county officials manage county property, plan for land use and help with damage assessment in the wake of wildfires, floods and other natural disasters.
Environmental Services Director, Christine McCarthy presented the Board with an updated report on efforts to streamline and improve services at the Recycling Center. Operations and material collection has increased and forklifts now have improved access to the center which makes processing recyclables more efficient. Center employees have seen an increase in the collection of appliances, e-waste and other materials over the amount of similar materials collected in 2023. There are two compactors in use at the Center that typically get filled every 14 to 16 days. The Recycling Center is open from 9:00 to 3:00, Monday through Friday and there is useful information to help folks with their recycling, online at the Lake County / Recycling Center website.
Early voting has started in Lake County and County Auditor, Linda Libal indicated that 1100 ballots had been cast, so far. On October 30th, election machine accuracy testing will take place at 1:00 in the Law Enforcement Center.
The next Lake County Board meeting is scheduled for November 5th at 2:00 PM.