Communications: National County Government Month

April is National County Government Month
"Healthy Counties, Healthy Families"

In 1990, the National Association of Counties initiated National County Government Week (NCGW) to raise public awareness and understanding about the roles and responsibilities of the nation's counties. In 2010, NCGW was expanded to a month so that counties would have more opportunity to tout county government services and programs. The theme of this year's NCGM is "Healthy Counties, Healthy Families" and over 1000 counties nationwide will participate by offering various ways for citizens to learn about county government's role in community health.

Healthy Counties, Healthy Families
We encourage you to celebrate National County Government Month with us this April by participating in one or more events we are hosting to help raise awareness of county government and individual departments that help make Peoria County a healthy county. A list of the public events scheduled for National County Government Month follows; for more information on a particular event, please refer to the description provided or call Jenny Fulton, 672-6918.

Understanding Your Tax Bill
ICC North, 5407 North University Street, Peoria, IL
Thursday, April 5
6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Free
To register call 690-6900 or visit www.icc.edu/acp, select "know your community"

Do you want to know where your money goes? The Peoria County Treasurer will explain how taxes are determined, collected, and distributed. You will gain a clearer understanding of the property tax process and your tax bill.

Preparing to Survive
ICC North, 5407 North University Street, Peoria, IL
Thursday, April 19
6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Free
To register call 690-6900 or visit www.icc.edu/acp, select "know your community"

Tornado season is upon us and recent years have seen a marked increase in tornado activity in the Midwest. Peoria County's Emergency Preparedness Coordinator will provide life-saving information to help your family survive and thrive when disaster strikes Central Illinois.

Hands Around the Courthouse
Peoria County Courthouse, 324 Main St, Peoria, IL
Friday, April 20
Noon

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and the Youth Services Network Panel is hosting its 5th Annual Hands Around the Courthouse event to draw attention to pending child abuse and neglect cases in Peoria County. Persons interested in participating should gather in the Courthouse Plaza at noon. Judges from the 10th Judicial Circuit, as well as law enforcement representatives and child advocates, will speak for a few minutes on the importance of child abuse prevention. Attendees will briefly hold hands to show their support of local prevention efforts.

Financial Assistance for Homebuyers
ICC North, 5407 North University Street, Peoria, IL
Thursday, April 26
6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Free
To register call 690-6900 or visit www.icc.edu/acp, select "know your community"

If you are buying a home in 2012, spare an hour to learn how you can get 3% cash back on your loan to fund closing and/or down payment costs, and up to $2,000 annually in federal income tax credit. Peoria County government participates in Assist 2012, a Homebuyers Assistance Program that provides financial assistance to qualifying homebuyers.