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Wauconda board opens process to annex about 62 acres in Liberty Lakes area
Summary
The Wauconda Village Board voted unanimously to begin involuntary annexation of roughly 62 acres near Gilmer Road (Liberty Lakes); village attorney said the court petition step and a 20–30 day notice period follow, and residents may force a referendum if 10% petition within 30 days.
The Wauconda Village Board voted unanimously to adopt an ordinance that starts the process to involuntarily annex approximately 62 acres near Gilmer Road in the Liberty Lakes area.
Village attorney Stuart told the board the measure begins a court-driven process under the Illinois Municipal Code that lets the village petition the Lake County Circuit Court to validate the annexation. "By adopting this ordinance tonight, you actually startyou would be starting a process which is then followed by a petition to the Lake County Circuit Court..." Stuart said, describing a notice period to the public and the property owner and a subsequent return to the board for a second ordinance to complete the annexation if the court validates the filing.
The attorney said the parcel meets the code’s proximity criteria (surrounded by the village on at least three sides) and that, after filing, there is a roughly 20–30 day period for notice and for any objectors to appear in court. He estimated the full process could take about 60 to 90 days if uncontested. Stuart also noted that if 10% of village voters sign a petition within the statutory window, the annexation could be referred to a referendum.
Trustees moved and seconded the ordinance and approved it by roll call; Trustees How, Shaw, Stout, Stein and Gary voted yes and Trustee Brown was recorded absent.
Why it matters: Annexation can change which government provides services, taxation and development rules for the parcel and could enable new utility or land-use decisions. The board said the measure initiates the legal process rather than immediately finalizing municipal control; if a petition is filed the court process and potential referendum would determine the next steps.
What’s next: If the ordinance is filed with the Lake County Circuit Court and the court finds the petition valid, the board will return to adopt a second ordinance to complete the annexation. If no petition is filed, the board’s action would conclude following the required notice and court steps.
