City staff to study Lake County plan to dissolve South Lake Mosquito Abatement District

Lake County’s finance committee has supported an ordinance to dissolve the South Lake Mosquito Abatement District, and Highland Park city staff told the council on Aug. 11 they will review the district’s finances and possible next steps for the city. City Manager Newkirk told the council the separate taxing district serves five communities and contracts with Clark Mosquito Abatement to deliver services. The county’s action triggers a statutorily required audit, which must be completed within 30 days of the county ordinance; staff said that audit is underway. Newkirk said the county‑level vote kicks off a process the county board may pursue to adopt a dissolution ordinance, which in turn would start a 30‑day petition window in which district residents could seek a referendum to stop the dissolution. Corporation counsel explained that petitions and court oversight are part of the state statute governing such dissolution processes; if the dissolution is completed, a court‑appointed trustee would wind up district affairs and distribute any remaining funds to the county per statute. Council members asked what the cost to Highland Park could be if the district dissolves and individual communities must fund their own services. Newkirk said the district currently levies about $500,000 total and that staff will calculate how much Highland Park taxpayers contribute and what standalone or shared alternatives would cost the city. Council member Tapia and others urged caution and asked that staff collect financial details and meet with the other four municipalities that participate in the district. Council member Littauer and others observed the district uses experienced volunteers and a long‑standing contractor and asked staff to compare the district’s technical expertise against potential new arrangements. Staff said they will prepare a report for a future Committee of the Whole meeting presenting options — including joining another district, creating a new intergovernmental agreement, or providing services independently — and will estimate associated costs.