Committee advances proposal to dissolve South Lake Mosquito Abatement District; audit and referendum process outlined

The Financial and Administrative Committee on Aug. 7 approved a proposing ordinance to dissolve the South Lake Mosquito Abatement District (SLMAD), initiating a statutory process that requires a county audit of the district’s finances and could ultimately lead to dissolution unless municipal petitioners force the question to a voter referendum. The committee vote advanced the ordinance to the full county board.

Public comment at the meeting was strongly divided. Several residents and trustees from Riverwoods and other communities urged the county to retain SLMAD, saying it provides coordinated mosquito surveillance, West Nile testing and targeted larvicide application and noting potential environmental harms from uncoordinated or private spraying. Others, including a Highland Park resident and SLMAD trustee speaking as a private citizen, urged dissolution and argued municipalities could contract directly for services at lower cost while restoring elected local control.

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