Mayor’s Message July 24, 2026
- Posted by Makayla Terfehn
- On July 29, 2026
Dear Residents,
The clear skies and cooler weather are a welcome relief compared to the intense heat and smoke-filled air of last week. I hope you all are able to enjoy the pleasant weather and take advantage of the numerous outdoor recreational options our communities offers residents.
ILLINOIS STATE TREASURER: UNCLAIMED PROPERTY
It is always fun to reach into a jacket pocket and find cash you left inside the pocket.
That feeling is exactly what Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs wants people to feel when his office links unclaimed assets to their rightful owner. Since 2015, the Treasurer’s Office has returned more than $2 billion in unclaimed assets to their rightful owners.
I recently participated in a roundtable discussion about this program. It takes seconds to see if you have unclaimed assets that belong to you. The Illinois Unclaimed Property Program is worth checking out.
I encourage all residents to take a few moments to see if they have unclaimed property waiting to be claimed. Simply follow the link below and complete the search process, you may be surprised by what you find!
https://icash.illinoistreasurer.gov/app/claim-search
VACATION HOUSE WATCH PROGRAM
The start of the next school year is less than a month away which means many families will be traveling for one last summer getaway.
If your family is headed out of town, please make sure to take advantage of the South Barrington Police Department’s Vacation House Watch program. If you are planning a trip, our officers are happy to periodically check on your property while you’re gone, providing a little extra peace of mind so you can fully enjoy your time away.
Whether you’re heading out for a weekend or a longer vacation, I hope you have a safe, relaxing, and memorable end to your summer.
Find the vacation watch form HERE.
ANNUAL SHRED EVENT: SEPTEMBER 5TH
Identity theft is a growing concern and to combat it – the Village is once again hosting a shred event to give residents a safe and secure way to dispose of sensitive documents.
In partnership with SWANCC, the Village of South Barrington will host its Annual Document Shred Event on Saturday, September 5, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. behind Village Hall.
This popular event provides residents with a safe and secure way to dispose of confidential documents, including bank statements, financial records, medical documents, retired tax records, and paperwork containing personal information.
Please note that magazines, newspapers, junk mail, advertisements, coupons, and envelopes will not be accepted. All papers must be dry, loose, and free of metal or plastic clips. There is a limit of six (6) paper bags per household.
If you have any questions, please contact Makayla at mterfehn@southbarrington.org or 847-381-7510.
PROPOSED ILLINOIS TOLL RATE INCREASE
A massive tollway increase could soon be coming.
If approved, passenger vehicle tolls would increase by approximately 45 cents per toll, marking the first passenger toll increase since 2012.
The proposed toll hike is in conjunction with the Illinois Tollway’s new 15-year, $26.5 billion Driving Connections capital program, which includes roadway improvements, bridge rehabilitation, congestion relief, and other infrastructure investments throughout the region. Public hearings are underway, and residents have an opportunity to provide feedback before the Tollway Board makes a final decision.
Comments must be submitted by 12pm on August 3rd. For more information about this program please click HERE, I would encourage you to please provide feedback on this important matter and make sure your opinion is counted!
THE ARBORETUM STREET FEST HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED!
Weather may delay the fun at the Arboretum, but it can’t stop it!
The Arboretum Street Fest has officially been rescheduled to Sunday, August 30, from 1:00–4:00 p.m. The Arboretum Street Fest will now close out summer with an afternoon of live music, delicious food, family-friendly entertainment, and more.
Mark your calendars and stay tuned for additional event details. We hope to see you there for one last celebration before summer comes to an end!
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