Annual Report 2023

Annual Report 2023

WE LEAD. WE EMPOWER. WE ADVOCATE. WE CONNECT RESIDENTS TO RESOURCES, SERVICES AND SOLUTIONS. WE STRIVE TO MAKE ZION BETTER.

Core Values: WE LEAD WITH HEART Humility: We are servants of the Zion community.

Encouragement & Education: We support our residents and equip them with knowledge.

Appreciation: We value partnerships that assist our residents.

Reverence: We respect each person's journey.

Tenacity: We don't give up on believing in the best.

Supervisor's Team

2023 SWP Mentors

Cheri Neal, Township Supervisor

Roderick Henry, Mentor

Sandra Usher, Business Manager

Shardaye Bone, Mentor

Adriana Ortiz, Client Services Director &

Assessor's Team

Summer Work Program Coordinator Grace Gamboa, Client Services Coordinator

Colette Davis, Township Assessor

Amy Onan, Client Workforce Coordinator

Michelle Buttera, Deputy Assessor

Nayeli Cardenas, Receptionist

Theresa Huber, Deputy Assessor

CHERI L. NEAL

ZION TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR A look back at 2023....

It is crazy how fast time goes. Here at Zion Township, we do our best to keep up but, as so often in life, we feel like it is never quite enough. That is why I am grateful to pause as the year comes to a close and reflect back at all we WERE able to do to impact our community in a positive way.

In regards to programming, we accomplished a lot!

Our Senior Resource Day, in partnership with the Zion Park District, Benton Township and The Grove at the Lake had over 180 seniors and 53 vendors this year. Another huge success!

The Summer Work Program graduated 30 youth this year, thanks to the oversight of Adriana Ortiz and mentors Rod Henry and Shardaye Bone.

The Queen Bees of Zion Red Hat Society was revitalized.

With the loss of Oachi

Gallagher and the relocation of Noma Blanton, the group almost dismantled. But interest surged and the group now has 42 members! Women over the age of 50 who live/d or work/ed in the ZB Community are welcome to join!

We sponsored the Secretary of State Mobile Unit in partnership with the ZB Library again.

In partnership with Santa’s Helpers, Christ Community Church, ZB Kiwanis and others, the Elf Network blessed over 80 families this year for the Christmas Holiday.

Each year we send out a birthday card to Zion seniors over the age of 65, complete with a free custard from Culvers, donut from CJs, and a notepad from the ZB Library in a card that was designed by adults with disabilities at Aspire (formerly North Point Resources). With their move out of the community, which led us to redesign a new birthday card that we are really proud of, sharing ways to engage in the community to make the year brighter and little ways to make a big difference. A LOT packed into a little card!

ZION TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR The ZT Team helped to enhance the Zion community in other ways, by supporting the recommissioning of Esther’s Well and the new mural on the Floors to You building in downtown.

Expanding the Zinnias for Zion Project was a huge focus this year, giving out 2000 packets of Zinnia seeds to residents, as a community ordering 134 flats of Zinnias for planting, the establishment of the two-day Zinnia and Monarch Festival thanks to so many, and being awarded a Proclamation by Senator Mary Edly-Allen.

Another really positive highlight is the development of a strong Leadership Team over the last few years in Zion with the Mayor, City Administrator, Police and Fire Chiefs, Dist 6 and Dist 126 Superintendents, our Assessor, and the Park District and Library Executive Directors as well as Supervisor Neal and Assessor Davis. This group is dedicated to working together to make Zion the best it can be. We hosted three community dialogues, are partnering with Carthage College to complete a rebranding assessment, thanks to the efforts of City Administrator David Knabel over the last ten years, we will be receiving an additional $244,000 a year.

This will help

substantially in keeping the Zion Township line for taxes low as well as provide funding to assist with implementing programming based on the results of the Zion Community Wellness Study that is wrapping up.

All this, while in the background we implemented a new time entry system, partnered with Carthage College to have an intern do an evaluation of our communication, trained the entire team as peer support specialists and took the sexual harassment training.

To top all that off, we completed another successful year publishing this Zion Quarterly, thanks to the efforts of every taxing body and Sandra Usher as the Editor.

And to top THAT off, our dynamic Client Services team made up of Nayeli Cardenas, Grace Gamboa, Amy Onan, Adriana Ortiz and myself were able help many residents in accessing resources to assist them in addressing their crisis. That information can be found on page 9.

One last thing that sets the stage for 2024: In 2023, all government agencies, except municipalities and counties, were challenged (mandated) to complete a comprehensive evaluation of services and determine ways to improve. The township board, along with residents Rose Salata and Laura Murrie, took this challenge seriously and the suggestion list was long for Zion Township. We are happy to report that of the list, the ZT Team has already accomplished nearly half of those items and will continue to make enhancements in 2024. The Decennial Report can be found on our website at ZionTownship.org.

We continue to take our responsibilities very seriously at Zion Township in serving our residents. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions, concerns, comments or kudos!

All our best, Cheri and the ZT Team

COLORING ZION WITH ZINNIAS! Zinnias for Zion had its 6th year, with over 2,000 packets of Zinnia seeds given out to the community via local government offices. Special thanks to donations made by Ball Horticultural Company, Applewood Seed Company and Joyful Butterfly. Additionally, 134 flats of Zinnia flowers were purchased by local businesses and households through Anton's Greenhouse. We are grateful for our Local Coloring Contest, sponsored by the Zion-Benton Public Library and Culver's of Zion, who presented the winners with certificates and prizes.

ZION’S ZINNIA AND MONARCH FESTIVAL! August 19-20th Zion celebrated Zinnias and Monarchs with a festival that was visited by over 1500 attendees. A special thank you goes out to Carlen Borland, Sarah Petersen along with a long list of volunteers including a team from the Illinois Dunesland Garden Club, the Zion Queens and pageant contestants, The ZB Library team, Culver’s, the Zion Park District and many others under the guidance of Zion Township’s Supervisor Cheri Neal and Business Manager Sandra Usher.

BEST ZINNIA YARD CONTEST WINNERS The Best Zinnia Yard Contest Best of Show went to Balthazar and Lorenzo Aviles-Acosta, 1st Place - Ginny Adams, 2nd Place Wendy Driver and 3rd Place - Bruce Pracht. 1st Place in the local business category was the Hermon Park Center, 2nd Place was N&T’s Restaurant & 3rd Place went to Zion Culvers. Special thanks to Illinois Dunesland Garden Club for judging the contest!

THANK YOU TO THE SPONSORS! Monarch: Mt. Olivet Memorial Park Chrysalis: City of Hope - North Shore Gas - PNC Bank - Grove at the Lake State Senator Mary Edly-Allen - Great Lake Credit Union - State Representative Joyce Mason Caterpillar: Old National Bank - City of Zion - The Varsek Team - Barton Senior Residence Egg: It’s All Good - Zion, John Steele - Re/Max Showcase, Randy Nebel - State Farm Insurance Mike Best - Leech Bridges, Roger Whitmore’s Automotive Services, IUP General Feed Store

Thank you to our volunteer’s: Carlen Borland Jessica Ivanov Sarah Petersen Cheryl Tanner Chris Tollefsen-Smith Christine Wertman Jeanne Engle

Elena Lopez Gennythya Lopez Ginny Adams Heidi Pfeiffer Jackie Kim Janet Eppers Doug LaBelle Wendy Driver

Jessica Clinton Joe Knobbe Jean Vines Michelle Pederson Zion Queen Org. Linda Perreault Mary Lou Hiltibran Brit Newman

Jack Littlefied Natania Kim Paula Reinier Rebecca Bozarth Rose Salta Rosemary Kauth Sam Gallagher

Amy Lindsay Kris Nicols Sara Torrez Rachel Sandoval Shanta Frierson Sheryl Anderson Tammy Boyd Tia Wilson

Our MVP’s for dedicating their summer to watering Zinnias around Zion goes to Mary Lou Hiltibran, Janet Eppers and Joe Lynch!

2023 HIGHLIGHTS SUMMER WORK PROGRAM We were able to hire 30 - 14 & 15 year-old youth for this year's Summer Work Program. Lead mentor Roderick Henry was joined by Shardaye Bone as she stepped into her first year as mentor.

The program kicked off with training day on June 20th which was held at New Tech High School.

The day was packed with financial literacy from Community Partners for Affordable Housing, Nicasa Teen Court presenting and including youth in a mock trial, team building activities with ZB social studies teacher Chris Kubic, and other activities with their mentors. We had 6 youth nominated for employee of the year and the winners were Alex Rodriguez, Adriana Giles-Castenda, and Marshon McEwen.

ZION QUARTERLY The Zion Quarterly, an initiative started by your Zion Township Team, includes every taxing body in Zion. It is mailed four times a year to over 11,135 households, with 12,200 printed for additional distribution. It continues to be a cost-effective way to communicate with Zion residents.

ZB COALITION FOR HEALTH COMMUNITIES ZION-BENTON LEADERSHIP ACADEMY Assessor Colette Davis at the helm, Supervisor Cheri Neal and Business Manager Sandra Usher along with ZB Social Studies Teacher Chris Kubic continue to show their dedication to building up the Leadership in our community via the ZB Leadership Academy, empowering individuals to become active and inspiring contributions in our communities, 2023 program had 3 adult graduates and 11 Junior graduates.

2023 HIGHLIGHTS QUEEN BEES OF ZION RED HAT SOCIETY RELAUNCHES! The Queen Bees are flying! With 42 members, many enjoyed several day trips this year, spreading joy wherever they went.

LIHEAP

Supervisor Cheri Neal and Client Services Director Adriana Ortiz visited the Zion senior buildings to assist in completing 60 LIHEAP applications, totaling over $16,850 to help pay utility bills this winter. The team went back to regular office hours to assist residents each Monday from 9-11am.

BIRTHDAY CARDS 1026 seniors age 65+ received a birthday card stuffed with cards for free custard from Culver’s, a donut from CJ’s, and a notepad from the ZB Library. North Point Resources created these cards for years, but with their departure from the community, a new partnership was launched with ZBTHS Transitions. The seniors their cards!

❤️

TRANSPORTATION We were able to assisted 60 Zion seniors with Half-fare taxi tickets for in-town transportation. Cards are provided to all seniors over the age of 65 in need.

We also completed 177 Benefit Access/RTA applications for seniors and those with disabilities, completed 222 passport applications, 65 notary request, and assisted residents with faxing for no charge.

SENIOR RESOURCE DAY Coordinated by Business Manager Sandra Usher, the Zion-Benton Senior Resource Day Expo was once again a huge success with co-sponsors: Zion Park District, Benton Township, and The Grove at the Lake.

We were able to distributed over 180 bags to seniors loaded with goodies and a guidebook with 53 vendors represented.

2023 HIGHLIGHTS Elf Network Thanks to the Elf Network, 80 Zion families - 302 family members, were blessed this Christmas.

This is a coordinated effort between the Zion Township, Christ Community Church and Santa's Volunteers, as well as ZB Kiwanis.

Secretary of State Mobile Unity Zion Township partnered with the ZB Library to host another successful Secretary of State Mobile Unit visit that allowed 41 seniors and other residents to participate in the Rules of the Road course, and others to get their licenses and State IDs renewed. This year 27 residents were able to schedule for access to get their Real ID. National Postal Worker Appreciation Day! The Zion Township Team celebrated the Zion Postal Workers by providing them with Oliver’s Muffins, resource packets and copies of the book “The Fred Factor” by Mark Sanborn, with a special appreciation video by Mark himself! The team also presented a special presentation making them aware of the services offered at Zion Township.

Esther’s Well

It has been a dream for many in our community to restore Esther’s Well as a place where people can come to pray, contemplate, and reflect on significant life issues. That dream took its first official step forward when a meeting was held on July 12, 2022, exactly 120 years from the date of its commission to put together a plan. That dream became a reality on July 12, 2023, the official ribbon cutting, restoring this historic landmark in Zion and raising over $50,000. Thanks to the Zion Park District, the site was then equipped with handicap accessibility so that ALL can enjoy this beautiful site.

The ZT Team is proud of the work we completed and the incredible partnerships we have to best assist residents in their time of need. Here are some of the various resources we were able to assist Zion residents with in 2023: Zion Township subsidizes a portion of other agency programs to ensure continued, accessible services to residents including: Love INC: $1,000 Abiding Love Food Pantry: $2,000 North Point Church Food Pantry: $1,000 PADS Emergency Shelter Program: $1,500 Zion Park District Senior Luncheon: $3,000 Zion Park District Weekly Shopping Program: $3,000 Nicasa Substance Abuse Counseling Program: $3,000

Mother’s Trust Foundation Assistance provided $46,045.85 57 Residents

Salvation Army Assistance provided $41,414.88 58 Residents

Community Action Partnership of Lake County (CAP) LIHEAP Assistance provided $127,498.93 225 Residents

Disaster Relief Assistance provided $12,689.40 30 Residents

Zion Township’s Emergency Assistance provided $24,898.84 for 62 Residents The Zion Township General Assistance allocation was $61,084.58, Assisting 53 Residents In house, we were able to process a total of $98,672.82 in resources for Zion residents. Aside from connecting residents with assistance in their time of need, we also counsel, guide and advocate on behalf of residents for a variety of issues, sometimes spending hours with each resident to best understand each situation and connecting them to the best resources available. Our team works hard to serve those in greatest need.

COLETTE DAVIS ZION TOWNSHIP ASSESSOR

We made it through the Quadrennial year! This means we revalued all parcels in the Township, which is a requirement per state statutes every four (4) years.

We also validated uniformity for the

neighborhoods and all the land.

With the increase in market values, I wanted to share some information that may be helpful to you. If you have a mortgage loan that has Mortgage Insurance (MI), you may have enough equity to have it removed. This can reduce your mortgage payment.

If you have a Conventional loan and have owned your home 3-4 years or more, or if you have an FHA loan, check with your lender to verify your eligibility of this option. Please note that you may be required to pay for an appraisal. However, it will pay for itself in the long run. Also, considering that it is income tax season; if you find that you have a shortage on your escrow account, it is better to pay the shortage upfront with your tax refund.

The county has a new system that helps us validate those who are eligible for Homestead Exemptions.

To ensure we have the most current information, you may be asked to provide

documented proof for all parties living in or listed on your property. Exemptions are a form of tax relief for those who qualify. Now is the time to make sure you have applied for or renewed your current exemptions.

Visit our website at https://www.ziontownship.org/assessorresoures to complete your

application or come in our office and we will be glad to help you. The website will have a detailed list of all exemptions that you can apply for.

Be on the lookout for the blue assessment notice that usually comes in the mail late summer. This will have your annual assessment amount listed along with all your property information we have in our system.

Please don't hesitate to stop in or call if we can be of any assistance.

Colette Davis

Colette Davis and your Assessment Team

Zion Township Annual Projected Financial Report for Fiscal Year 2023/2024 Projected Year End Annual Budget TOWNSHIP FUND Revenues: $833,122.71 $749,306.00 Expenses: Personnel $367,379.86 $373,121.37 Contractual Services $ 95,346.33 $102,080.35 Other Operating Expenses $ 49,637.02 $ 54,697.00 Capital Outlay $ 49,019.00 $ 49,019.00 Total Operating $561,382.21 $578,917.72 Community Support $68,750.00 $122,250.00 Youth Services: Summer Work Program $12,817.39 $17,600.00 Total Community & Youth Services $81,567.39 $139,850.00 Senior Meals $ 3,070.00 $ 3,300.00 Senior Transportation $ 5,500.00 $17,500.00 Senior Support $14,500.00 $14,500.00 Total Senior Services $23,070.00 $35,300.00 Assessor’s Office Personnel $175,000.00 $190,629.65 Contractual Services $20,000.00 $ 42,270.00 Other Operating Expenses $12,500.00 $ 18,400.00 Total Assessor’s Office $207,500.00 $251,299.65 Total Expenses $873,519.60 $1,005,367.37 Excess Revenues less Expenses -$40,396.89 -$ 256,061.37 Prior Surplus $864,210.05 $864,210.05 Ending Balance $823,813.16 $608,148.68

GENERAL ASSISTANCE FUND Revenues: $558,830.32 $425,000.00 Expenses: Personnel $261,280.00 $284,278.22 Contractual Services $ 28,155.00 $ 29,001.33 Other Operating Services $ 22,529.50 $ 22,816.50 Public Support $160,110.00 $201,000.00

Total Expenses $472,074.50 $537,096.05 Excess Revenues less Expenses $86,755.82 -$112,096.05 Prior Surplus $229,738.08 $229,738.08 Ending Balance $316,493.90 $117,642.03

FICA FUND Revenues: $37,500.00 $37,650.00 Expenses: $37,500.00 $37,500.00 Excess Revenues less Expenses $0 $ 150.00 Prior Surplus $9,917.00 $9,917.00 Ending Balance $9,917.00 $10,067.00

IMRF FUND Revenues: $50,125.00 $50,125.00 Expenses: $20,000.00 $50,000.00 Excess Revenues less Expenses $30,125.00 $ 125.00 Prior Surplus $18,475.15 $18,475.15 Ending Balance $48,600.15 $18,350.15 Total Income $1,479,578.03 $1,262,081.00 Total Expenses $1,403,094.10 $1,629,963.42

2 0 2 3

S E R V I C E 2023

2022

2021

Incoming Calls

7464

5874

6848

Notary

65

87

70

Passport

222

144

93

Senior Half Fare Tickets

55

60

63

Senior Birthday Cards

1012

958

936

Senior Resource Day

253

300

250

Summer Work Program

30

26

16

Elf Network

80/302

107/357

80/333

Resource Appointments

507

373

1946

Total Referrals Made

1545

1192

1391

Zion Township Directly Assisted

759

662

190

General Assistance Application submitted

30

36

30

General Assistance Appointments

308

259

242

General Assistance Approval Funds

$75,613.56

$61,084.58

$55,525.95

Emergency Assistance Appointments

79

87

67

Emergency Assistance - Households served

65

69

52

Emergency Assistance Approval Funds

$24,898.84

$21,786.65

$17,628.78

Emergency Transportation Assistance

23

38

9

Disaster Relief Approval Funds

$12,689.40

$6,157.19

$13,803.77

RTA Free or Reduced Ride Program Apps

71

44

27

Benefit Access Program Applications

106

128

76

Salvation Army Applicants

109

39

106

Salvation Army Apps Completed

63

20

45

Total Funds Accessed for Salvation Army

$41,414.88

$9,553.76

$23,654.55

LIHEAP Applicants

225

103

66

LIHEAP Apps Completed

225

48

66

Total Funds Accessed for LIHEAP

$127,498.93

$84,893.00

$30,204.00

Love Inc Intake/Referrals

37

34

21

Mother's Trust Intake/Referrals

85

43

54

Total Funds Accessed for Mother's Trust

$46,045.85

$31,001.34

$15,257.52

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

OTHER AGENCY APPLICATION PROCESSING

R E P O R T 2020

2019

2018

Incoming Calls

4606

5147

4415

Notary

10

27

23

Passport

20

12

0

Senior Half Fare Tickets

79

127

98

Senior Birthday Cards

894

863

922

Senior Resource Day

0

188

165

Summer Work Program

0

35

33

Elf Network

80/330

210

50

Resource Appointments

344

501

472

Total Referrals Made

1121

1525

1468

Zion Township Directly Assisted

72

742

733

GA Applications submitted

37

36

16

GA Appointments

257

210

168

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

GA Approval Funds

$59,587.10 $50,026.58

$35,946.81

EA Appointments

68

120

116

EA Household served

51

108

92

EA Approval Funds

$14,968.86 $31,725.53

$22,004.33

ETA

7

33

39

Disaster Relief Approval Funds

$18,750.62

$2,922.83

$405.00

OTHER AGENCY APPLICATION PROCESSING RTA Free or Reduced Ride Program Apps

26

104

95

BA Program Applications

98

216

222

Salvation Army Applicants

0

0

0

Salvation Army Apps Completed

0

0

0

Total Funds Accessed for SA

0

0

0

LIHEAP Applicants

65

343

365

LIHEAP Apps Completed

65

343

365

Total Funds Accessed for LIHEAP

$35,625.00 $172,883.00 $150,726.00

Love INC Intake / Referrals

26

42

36

Mother’s Trust Intake/Referrals

32

4

1

Total Funds Accessed for MT

$15,281.56

N/A

N/A

Regular Town Board of Trustee meetings are held in the Zion City Hall Council Chambers, 2828 Sheridan Road, Zion, IL at 6:00 P.M. on the third Tuesday of each month.

SCHEDULE OF 2023 BOARD MEETINGS January 17, 2023 February 21, 2023 March 21, 2023 Annual Township Meeting: April 11, 2023 Township Budget Public Hearing: April 18, 2023 May 16, 2023 June 20, 2023 July 18, 2023 August 15, 2023 September 19, 2023 October 17, 2023 November 21, 2023 December 19, 2023

ZION TOWNSHIP BOARD MAY 2021 - CURRENT Supervisor Cheri Neal Assessor Colette Davis Clerk Sheryl Spooner Trustee Christopher Fischer Trustee Jacqueline Holmes Trustee Mike McDowell Trustee Richard Frierson