a guide to dupage county government services4 updated 11/03/09 adopt-a-highway: • groups seeking...
TRANSCRIPT
Updated 11/03/09
A Guide to DuPage County
Government Services
2
Updated 11/03/09
DuPage County Elected Officials:
DuPage County Board Chairman: Robert J. Schillerstrom
Vice Chairman: Patrick J. O’Shea
DuPage County Board Members:
District 4: Grant Eckhoff
JR McBride Debra Olson
District 5: James D. Healy
Tony Michelassi John Zediker
District 6: Dirk Enger
Linda A. Kurzawa James F. Zay, Jr.
Bob Grogan
Chris Kachiroubas Gary King
Peter Siekmann Fred Bucholz
Darlene Ruscitti John Zaruba
Joseph Birkett Gwen Henry
District 1: Paul Fichtner Rita Gonzalez Donald E. Puchalski District 2: Patrick J. O’Shea Jeff Redick Brien Sheahan District 3: Thomas F. Bennington, Jr. John Curran Michael F. McMahon
Auditor Circuit Court Clerk County Clerk Coroner Recorder Regional Superintendent of Schools Sheriff State’s Attorney Treasurer
3
Updated 11/03/09
Dear Resident or Business Owner: When County government is mentioned, the question is inevitably asked: “What does County government do?” DuPage County provides services to over 940,000 residents and business owners that help maintain our quality of life, making DuPage County a great place to live, work and raise a family. Residents elect the County Board Chairman, nine other County-wide officials, and 18 members of the County Board, three from each of the six different districts. Numerous departments aid the elected officials in serving the community. Below is a summary of the County’s Fiscal Year 2009 Budget of $480 Million:
Fiscal Year 2009 Budget by Function (Dollars in Millions) Transportation & Development $122.5 Public Safety 26.00% $96.8 20.14% Stormwater & Public Works $90.9 18.92% Facilities & Admin. Support Health & Human Services $115.1 $39.8 23.95% 8.29% General Govt. Education $14.6 $.8 3.04% 0.18% Please be assured that DuPage County Government leaders are committed to ensuring that taxpayers’ dollars are used efficiently. I hope this guide serves as a resource to the many different services offered by DuPage County.
Sincerely, Robert J. Schillerstrom Chairman DuPage County Board
For more information visit: www.dupageco.org
4
Updated 11/03/09
Adopt-A-Highway: • Groups seeking to improve the environment may commit to
cleaning a section of DuPage County highway. • Groups select a minimum 1/2 mile section, committing to
cleanup on both sides of that section at least four times a year for two years.
www.dupageco.org/dot (630) 407-6883
Animal Care & Control: • Prevents and
controls rabies through bite investigation and rabies registration.
• Operates a shelter for stray and abandoned animals.
• Adopts unwanted animals to responsible homes.
• Rescues animals that are lost, diseased or injured. www.dupageco.org/animalcontrol (630) 407-2800
Basic Needs:
• The Basic Needs Program provides vouchers for shoes, clothing, household items and access to area food pantries and other services for income eligible households.
• Financial assistance is available for low-income and disadvantaged students through the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Scholarship.
www.dupageco.org/humanservices (630) 407-6500
5
Updated 11/03/09
Bike Trails: • DuPage County operates and
maintains 92 miles of trail systems for pedestrians, cyclists and horseback riders, including approximately 40 miles of trails on the Illinois Prairie Path and nearly 12 miles of the Great Western Trail, which follow the former Chicago and Great Western Railroad.
• The Prairie Path and Great Western Trail link County forest preserves, municipal parks and trails in neighboring Cook and Kane Counties.
• A map of existing bikeways is available online.
www.dupageco.org/bikeways (630) 407-6883
Birth Certificates: • Copies of birth certificates are available through the Health
Department for a fee of $10 and may be ordered online. www.dupagehealth.org (630) 682-7400
Building & Permitting:
• Building Permit applications for decks, patios, pools, driveways, additions and all commercial work in unincorporated areas are available online.
• All general contractors and sub-contractors working in unincorporated areas are required to be registered, bonded and insured by the Department of Economic Development and Planning.
• Building and Zoning complaint forms may be found online. www.dupageco.org/building (630) 407-6700
6
Updated 11/03/09
Business Registration: • Business owners in DuPage County must register with the
County Clerk’s Office. • A filing fee of $5 is charged for the registration of a business
name. • Certificate of Business Ownership applications are available
online. www.dupageco.org/countyclerk (630) 407-5500
Choose DuPage: • Supports economic development initiatives in DuPage County
through business attraction and retention efforts. • Seeks a coordinated approach to economic development by
placing emphasis on cooperation between businesses and government.
www.choosedupage.com (630) 955-2090
Convalescent Center: • Provides nursing
and rehabilitation care for 360 residents, 310 of whom are long-term residents.
• Quality of staff and care consistently rank among the highest in Illinois.
• Services include an in-house pharmacy; Chaplain; resident bank; hair salon; residential garden; residential dining room; crafts, ceramics and woodshop centers; and physical, occupational and speech therapy.
• A variety of volunteer opportunities are available to help support and enhance the care of residents.
www.dupageco.org/convo (630) 665-6400
Congressman Peter Roskam talks with Convalescent Center residents
7
Updated 11/03/09
County Employment: • The Human Resources Department manages the listing and
recruitment for job opportunities and internships under County Board jurisdiction.
• Positions currently available with the County, Court Services and Health Department are posted on the internet through the job openings link.
• Employment applications are available on the County website. • DuPage County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. www.dupageco.org/hr (630) 407-6300
County Highways:
• The DuPage County Division of Transportation maintains approximately 220 miles of arterial highways and 92 miles of multi-purpose trails in DuPage County.
• The Division is responsible for issuing permits for overweight or overdimension vehicles and for anyone proposing construction or an event within the County Highway and Trail system.
• DuPage County Highway System maps and permit information are available online.
www.dupageco.org/dot (630) 407-6900
County Jail: • The DuPage County Jail
provides custody of individuals awaiting trial, serving sentences of up to one year, or sentenced to periodic imprisonment.
• Visitation hours for male inmates are from 8:00-10:30 a.m. and 1:00-3:30 p.m. on Wednesday and Sunday.
• Visitation hours for female inmates are from 8:00-10:30 a.m. on Tuesday and from 8:00-10:30 a.m. and 1:00-3:30 p.m. on Saturday.
www.dupageco.org/sheriff (630) 407-2000
DuPage County Jail
8
Updated 11/03/09
Crime Prevention: • A variety of programs and
services which meet the needs of residents and keep the community safe are of-fered through the Sheriff’s Office.
• Residents may report tips regarding criminal ac-tivities to Crime Stop-pers while remaining anonymous.
www.dupageco.org/sheriff (630) 407-2000
C.R.I.S.:
• Community Resource Information Systems (C.R.I.S.) provides basic information on over 1,400 social service agencies in DuPage County.
www.dupagecris.org (630) 407-6500
Death Certificates:
• Copies of death certificates are available through the Health Department for a fee of $12 and may be ordered online.
www.dupagehealth.org (630) 682-7400
Deeds & Titles:
• Deeds, titles, mortgages and other property documents are available in person and online for a small fee through the Recorder’s office.
www.dupageco.org/recorder (630) 407-5400
DuPage Rx:
• Helps consumers save money on prescription medications that are not covered by insurance.
• Savings average 20% depending on the drug and quantity purchased. • DuPage Rx cards may be used by all County residents regardless of
age, income or healthcare coverage. • A list of card distributors may be found online. www.dupageco.org/cobrd (630) 407-6500
Sheriff’s Office
9
Updated 11/03/09
Emergency Preparedness & Response: • Preparedness, response, and
recovery efforts to natural and technical disasters, including acts of terrorism, are coordinated by the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.
• Residents wanting to become a volunteer in a Citizen Corps group can find a referral to a group in their area through www.citizencorps.gov or use the Citizen Corps link on www.protectdupage.org.
www.protectdupage.org (630) 682-7925
Employment Services: • WorkNet DuPage Career Center offers job search, résumé, cover
letter, interview and career exploration workshops. • Service cards are free of charge and provide residents with free
access to internet and résumé templates, copy and fax machines, a laser printer and job search libraries.
www.worknetdupage.org (630) 955-2030
Energy Assistance:
• The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) assists eligible households in paying for winter heating services.
• The Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program improves energy conservation for income eligible households through sealing cracks, insulating walls and attics, and repairing windows, doors and furnaces.
www.dupageco.org/humanservices (630) 407-6500
Food Inspection:
• The DuPage County Health Department certifies and inspects all restaurants and food vendors to ensure sanitary conditions.
• Concerns may be reported to the Health Department. www.dupagehealth.org (630) 682-7400
10
Updated 11/03/09
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Requests: • Residents may request copies of County Records by completing a
FOIA application online. • Fees may apply to the costs of copying or mailing requested
materials. • Residents denied access to inspect or copy any public record may
appeal the denial. Instructions on how to appeal are available on the County website under Freedom of Information requests.
www.dupageco.org (630) 407-6300
Geographic Information Systems:
• Provides accurate information for new survey and engineering work.
• Paper and digital maps of land in DuPage County may be purchased through the County Clerk’s office.
• Current and historical aerial maps may be purchased through the Division of Transportation.
gis.dupageco.org/parcelapp (630) 407-5500
Government Accountability: • Concerns about the use of County resources and operations can be
reported to the Audit Hotline. • Consumers and businesses may also report fraud or unfair business
practices to the Illinois Attorney General’s office or the Illinois Better Business Bureau.
www.dupageco.org/auditor (630) 752-8348
Aerial Photo of Wheaton College
11
Updated 11/03/09
Health Care: Services for the Uninsured • Access DuPage is a public-private community partnership that
provides medical services to over 10,000 lower income, medically uninsured residents of DuPage County. A full range of primary medical services is offered at participating physician offices and local hospitals – call (630) 510-8720 for more information.
• Other local agencies that provide primary care for qualified DuPage residents include: the DuPage Community Clinic (630) 682-0639; Addison Family Health Center (630) 628-1811; West Chicago Family Health Center (630) 293-4124; and the Martin T. Russo Family Clinic in Bloomingdale (630) 893-5230.
Community Health Services • The DuPage County Health Department protects the health of
DuPage Residents through: immunizations for children and adults (including those traveling outside the U.S.); screening for chronic diseases (including oral health); diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis and STDs (including HIV); and infection and health education at public health centers located in Wheaton, Lombard, Addison, Westmont, and West Chicago.
www.dupagehealth.org (630) 682-7400
Home Repairs:
• The Single Family Rehabilitation Program offers low-cost loans to income eligible homeowners in need of home repairs to address health and safety issues.
www.dupageco.org/humanservices (630) 407-6500
18th Judicial Circuit Court: • The Chief Judge oversees the operation
and security of the second largest court system in Illinois at the DuPage County Courthouse and at four Field Court locations.
• Programs include Probation Services for Adults & Juveniles, Youth Home, Drug Court, Arbitration Center, Jury Commission, Family Violence Coordination Council, Law Library, and Court Transcripts.
www.dupageco.org/courts (630) 407-8904
Juvenile Detention Center
12
Updated 11/03/09
DuPage County Courthouse
Jury Commission: • DuPage residents are eligible for jury service once every 12 months. • On average, trials last 2-3 days. Jurors should plan for a full business
day lasting until 4:30 pm, although trials can go later. • Business casual attire is required for all jurors. • Free parking for jurors is available in the parking garage on the east
side of the Judicial Center. • Personal electronics with cameras are prohibited within the Courthouse. • Free wireless internet is provided in the Jury lounge. • Lunch and childcare are not provided for jurors. • Jurors receive pay of $10 for the first day of service and $15 every day
thereafter. • Requests for postponement of service may be submitted online. www.dupageco.org/jury (630) 407-8785
Marriage Licenses: • Marriage licenses are available in the County Clerk’s Office for a fee of
$35. • Both parties must appear in the Clerk’s Office with identification and
proof of age. www.dupageco.org/countyclerk (630) 407-5500
Mental Health Services: • The DuPage County Health Department provides a variety of services
including crisis intervention, outpatient mental health programs, psychiatric rehabilitation, adult, child and adolescent mental health services, depression services and vocational training.
• Services are provided at: the Access and Crisis Mental Health Center in Lombard (630) 627-1700; Transitional Services Mental Health Cen-ter in Wheaton, and at the West Chicago Mental Health Center.
www.dupagehealth.org (630) 682-7400
13
Updated 11/03/09
Natural Disasters: • The Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management
provides information regarding all phases of emergency manage-ment including preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation of natural disasters such as flooding, tornadoes, or windstorms. Addi-tional information is available through FEMA at www.ready.gov or the National Weather Service at www.nws.noaa.gov. Links to these websites can also be found on www.protectdupage.org.
• Floodplain maps and Flood Evaluation Request forms are available on the DuPage County website through Stormwater Management.
www.dupageco.org/dec (630) 407-6700
Passports: • Applications and photos for U.S. Passports and Passport cards are
available through the Circuit Court Clerk. • The processing time for passports is 4-6 weeks for regular service
and 2-3 weeks for expedited service. www.dupageco.org/courtclerk (630) 407-8577
Property Taxes: • In DuPage County, the property tax system is the primary source of
revenue for local schools and units of government. • Property taxes may be paid to the County Treasurer in person, by
mail or online. • Property taxes are distributed to over 400 governmental entities,
with the County receiving less than 3% of all revenues.
www.dupageco.org/treasurer (630) 407-5900
Source: County Clerk
14
Updated 11/03/09
Property Taxes - Appealing an Assessed Valuation: • The DuPage County Board of Review provides the venue where
property owners may formally appeal an assessed value if they disagree with the township assessor’s value.
• Assessment appeal forms and additional information are available online.
www.dupageco.org/soa (630) 407-5888
Public Health:
• Information on prevention and containment of communicable and vector-borne diseases (H1N1, Norovirus, MRSA, etc.) is provided by the Health Department.
• Various educational programs and materials are offered by the Health Department including nutrition, communicable diseases, West Nile Virus information, food safety and family planning.
• Environmental Health Services provides information regarding lead, radon, mold, and tobacco smoke.
www.dupagehealth.org (630) 682-7400
Public Works: • The Public Works Department owns and operates four wastewater
treatment plants and six drinking water systems throughout DuPage County, providing sanitary sewer service to approximately 175,000 residents and water service to approximately 25,000 residents.
• The department assists residents with new sewer or water connections and responds and resolves interruptions of service within their various systems.
• Service area maps and contact information are available online. www.dupageco.org/publicworks (630) 407-6800
15
Updated 11/03/09
Recycling: • DuPage partners with SIMS
Recycling Solutions, providing electronics recycling drop offs to residents free of charge in Bloomingdale, Hanover Park, Westmont, Glendale Heights, Wood Dale, Downers Grove and Addison.
• The “DuPage County Recycling Guide” is available online.
www.dupageco.org/recycling (630) 407-6700
Ride DuPage:
• Provides subsidized transportation services for eligible seniors and people with disabilities 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Call (630) 407-6500 for information on eligibility. • Registered riders may call the Ride DuPage Call Center to schedule
a trip (1-800-713-7445). www.dupageco.org/humanservices (630) 407-6500
Roadway Problems & Alerts:
• To report a problem in a county roadway or trail (potholes, downed signs, animals, etc.) please call the Transportation Maintenance Department at (630) 407-6920 from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.
• Visit www.dupageco.org/dot/construction to view current county construction projects or events by other entities impacting county maintained highway routes including but not limited to lane restrictions, road closures, and posted detours.
www.dupageco.org/dot (630) 407-6900
16
Updated 11/03/09
Senior Services: • Offers home visits and helps
seniors apply for or access needed benefits and services.
• Offers confidential services to victims of abuse, neglect and financial exploitation.
• Coordinates home delivered meals, in-home assessments, case management, and home visits for eligible seniors.
• Seniors needing assistance with the payment of property taxes should visit the SeniorServe program on the County Treasurer’s website.
• Subsidized taxi travel available for seniors. www.dupageco.org/seniorsvcs (630) 407-6500
Seniors Ride Free Program:
• Allows seniors ages 65 and over living in the RTA service region (Cook, DuPage, Lake, McHenry and Will Counties) free transit on fixed-routes operated by the CTA, Metra and Pace.
• Riders must have either a Senior Reduced Fare Card or the new Senior Ride Free Smart Card.
• A government issued I.D. that verifies your age and a photo of yourself are required to obtain a card.
www.rtachicago.com (630) 836-7000
Senior Property Tax Assistance: • The Senior Homestead Exemption provides a $4,000 reduction
from the equalized assessed valuation. • The Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption provides
seniors with limited income protection against real estate tax increases due to rising property costs for seniors with a total household income of $55,000 or less.
• The Property Tax Deferral Program provides qualifying seniors the option of deferring the payment of real estate taxes to the time they sell their home or upon the settlement of their estate and is offered through the Treasurer’s office.
www.dupageco.org/soa (630) 407-5858
17
Updated 11/03/09
Small Claims Court: • The Small Claims Court hears court cases involving claims of
$10,000 or less. • Complaints must be filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court, with
filing fees dependant on the amount being sued for. www.dupageco.org/courtclerk (630) 407-8700
Teacher Licensure & Registration:
• Teacher registration, certification and licensing renewal is available through the Regional Office of Education.
• Job vacancies for each DuPage County School district are listed online via the Regional Office of Education website.
www.dupage.k12.il.us (630) 407-5800
Traffic Court: • Traffic tickets may be paid online. • Various traffic court forms may be found online. • For questions regarding missed court dates, contact the Circuit
Court Clerk’s office. www.dupageco.org/courtclerk (630) 407-8600
Vendor Information: • DuPage County uses DemandStar
by Onvia to advertise business opportunities. This electronic purchasing service notifies you immediately by e-mail or fax when a government bid or quote opportunity opens in your areas of service.
• Formal bids for business with the County must be received and time stamped prior to the time and date specified in each document.
• Formal bids for purchases exceeding $15,000 are also advertised in the Daily Herald and online.
www.dupageco.org/purchasing (630) 407-6200
18
Updated 11/03/09
Veterans Assistance Commission:
• Offers emergency assistance programs for veterans.
• Provides services to meet needs of veterans and their families, including mortgage or rent payments, medical prescriptions, food and other basic needs.
• Aids in the location and retrieval of discharge documents.
www.dupageco.org/vac (630) 407-5655
Victim Services:
• The Victim Services Unit of the State’s Attorney’s Office provides assistance to victims and witnesses of violent crime.
• Informs individuals of their rights as victims, their case status and offers counseling.
• Handles court ordered restitution and assistance in obtaining an Order of Protection.
www.dupageco.org/statesattorney (630) 407-8000
Volunteer Opportunities & Giving DuPage:
• Find volunteer and recommended giving opportunities at Giving DuPage.
www.givingdupage.org (630) 407-6500
Voter Information: • The DuPage County Election Commission administers voter
registration, absentee ballot requests, early voting programs and oversees all election procedures for over 500,000 voters.
• Candidate lists, election calendars and propositions on the ballot are available online prior to elections.
• To search for your elected officials and polling place, visit the website below and click on the “Address Lookup” link.
www.dupageelections.com (630) 407-5600
DuPage County Veterans Memorial
19
Updated 11/03/09
Addresses
DuPage County Administration Building 421 N. County Farm Rd.
Wheaton, IL 60187
DuPage County Health Department 111 N. County Farm Road
Wheaton, IL 60187
DuPage Convalescent Center 400 N. County Farm Road
Wheaton, IL 60187
DuPage County Courthouse 505 N. County Farm Rd.
Wheaton, IL 60187
WorkNet DuPage Career Center 2525 Cabot Drive, Suite 302
Lisle, IL 60532
20
Updated 11/03/09
County Services: (630) 407-2800 (630) 407-6075 (630) 407-8700 (630) 407-2600 (630) 665-6400 (630) 407-6060 (630) 407-5500 (630) 407-8904 (630) 407-5600 (630) 407-6100 (630) 407-6500 (630) 407-6458 (630) 682-7400 (630) 407-6300 (630) 407-6500 (630) 407-8785 (630) 627-1700 (630) 682-7925
(630) 407-8577 (630) 407-6700 (630) 407-6200 (630) 407-6800 (630) 407-5400 (630) 407-6700 (630) 407-5800 (630) 407-6500 (630) 407-2000 (630) 407-8000 (630) 407-6700 (630) 407-5858 (630) 407-8600(630) 407-6900 (630) 407-5900 (630) 407-5655 (630) 955-2030
Animal Care & Control Auditor Clerk of the Circuit Court Coroner Convalescent Center County Board Office County Clerk Court – General Information Election Commission Finance Department General County Information Giving DuPage – Volunteer Opportunities Health Department Human Resources Human Services Jury Commission Mental Health Crisis Hotline Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Passports Planning & Zoning Procurement Services Public Works (Sewer & Water) Recorder (Real Estate Documents) Recycling Regional Office of Education Senior Services Sheriff State’s Attorney Stormwater Management Division Supervisor of Assessments Traffic Tickets Transportation Treasurer Veterans Assistance Workforce Development
www.dupageco.org