Mayor’s Message April 17, 2026
- Posted by Makayla Terfehn
- On April 20, 2026
Dear Residents,
The weather is warming, but winter refuses to completely go away, making it a little challenging to get ready in the morning.
Hopefully, the weather holds up for our Arbor Day celebration next week. We are excited to invite you to join us for a special Arbor Day celebration on April 24th at 10:30 a.m. at the Conservancy. This year’s tree dedication will be especially significant, as the 2026 tree will also honor our America250 Gives initiative, serving as a living tribute to our nation’s history.
Arbor Day has always been a meaningful tradition in our community, reflecting our strong commitment to preserving and enhancing our natural environment. We are proud to be recognized as a Tree City USA community for the 7th year, an honor awarded to communities that meet key standards in urban forestry management, including maintaining a tree board, adopting a tree care ordinance, investing in forestry efforts, and hosting an annual Arbor Day observance.
In addition, we have received the Tree City USA Growth Award for five consecutive years, which recognizes communities that go above and beyond these standards by expanding and improving their urban forestry programs, such as through increased planting, education, and long-term planning.
The April 24th celebration event will include the unveiling of our 2026 tree, a few remarks on this longstanding tradition, and the reading of the official proclamation passed at last week’s Village Board meeting. Join us for Coffee and donuts.
We hope to see you there!
CONSERVANCY COMMITTEE
The Village launched a new Committee, the Conservancy Committee, to oversee grants and help promote the Conservancy in South Barrington.
This committee, comprised of Board Members, was approved at Thursday’s meeting and will be chaired by Trustee Daniel Zierk, with Trustee Shahzad Kazi and Trustee Dr. Hina Patel serving as committee members. We are also putting together the former Conservancy Commission and are looking for volunteers to become a part of this commission. Please contact Makayla at Village Hall for more information.
The Village recently secured a substantial OSLAD grant. This grant will be used to develop passive recreational amenities, enhance habitat conservation, and create educational features that will further enrich the character and aesthetics of our community.
While the implementation of this grant will be a primary focus of the committee in its early work, the Conservancy Committee was also established with a broader, long-term purpose: to help guide the future vision, stewardship, and continued success of this special place within our Village.
HYDRANT FLUSHING
The Village will be flushing hydrants beginning April 27th. The flushing process will run through May 1st.
Hydrant flushing is an important semi-annual maintenance process used to ensure proper hydrant operation and to flush and maintain water quality throughout the distribution system. The municipal water service area includes the Arboretum, Regency, Woods, Village Enclave, and Revere Court.
During this time, residents may experience temporary water discoloration or a brief drop in water pressure. If this occurs, please allow your cold water to run until it clears.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we complete this important maintenance activity.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR PROPERTY TAX BILL
If you have questions about your property tax bill, then you should make plans to attend the Barrington Township Assessor’s Office educational workshop.
The event will take place at Rose Hall Village on April 29th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Topics will include how property taxes are assessed, available exemptions and how they may benefit you, where your tax dollars go, and how tax rates are calculated.
For more information, please call 847-381-5632, ext. 302.
NATIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY TELECOMMUNICATORS WEEK
This week, we proudly recognize National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week and extend our sincere gratitude to the dedicated dispatchers who serve as the calm voice in moments of crisis.
Behind every emergency response is a dispatcher—answering the call, gathering critical information, and ensuring help is on the way. Their professionalism, compassion, and quick thinking make a difference every single day, often without recognition.
The South Barrington Police Department is proud to recognize QuadCom 9-1-1 by offering our dispatchers the opportunity to enjoy a meal of their choice as a small token of appreciation for the vital role they play in every call for service.
Please join us in thanking our dispatchers for their unwavering commitment, resilience, and service. We are truly grateful for all that you do.
OPUS DEVELOPMENT TEAM/ALLSTATE NEWS ARTICLES
In last week’s newsletter, I discussed the initial conversations with the OPUS Development team regarding the former Allstate property. Since then, there have been several articles published on the topic, and I’m sharing links below for anyone interested in learning more.
As always, I am here to listen to your thoughts and concerns. Feel free to email me at pmccombie@southbarrington.org, or use the anonymous comment boxes located in the lobbies of Village Hall and the Police Department. I review these messages privately and value your input.
Have an enjoyable weekend!
Paula McCombie
Mayor