Spring is just around the corner and, as many of us plan for trips to Florida, Arizona, or a staycation at home enjoying our beautiful community, it is a good time to reflect upon renewal. First, the Village has reduced our tax levy again for the 3rd year in a row and dropped the burden from $6.5 million in 2013 to $5.3 million in 2017. We have also renewed and passed a 20-year border agreement with South Barrington protecting our Village property from disconnection and development. In addition to levy relief, we have renewed our efforts to invest those savings into our roads, police force, the aesthetics of Village Hall, and our new Village website and communications platform. With respect to our roads, we are increasing our paving schedule to 3.75 miles in 2017. Our Police Department and Personnel Committee has undertaken the interviewing of candidates to join our police force and we will be welcoming two new officers come summer, who are now attending the academy. Village Hall is benefitting from a much-needed makeover with a fresh coat of paint and carpeting throughout the interior. Our newly launched Village website is helping to make the Village more accessible to residents and to deliver services more efficiently, as well as promoting our community through area realtors. With change in mind, we also will be seeing departures taking place on our Board of Trustees this Spring as terms expire, two existing trustees retire, and others seek re-election. We would like to thank Trustee Mike Harrington for his service to the Village over the past four years. A special thank you to Trustee Fritz Gohl who will be stepping down after 4 terms (16 years) of service on the Board. Without the volunteer spirit of all who donate their time serving on boards and commissions, we could not operate as successfully as we do. As you may be aware, Village elections are upcoming and it is up to you, our neighbors, to determine who should represent the Village moving forward. Be sure to vote on or before April 4th, 2017.

As always, I am grateful to have the privilege of representing you, my neighbors, as Village President and look forward to a bright future for Barrington Hills.

President Martin McLaughlin