Mayor’s Message May 1, 2026
- Posted by Makayla Terfehn
- On May 5, 2026
Dear Residents,
We’ve previously shared information about the road widening project, and by now you’ve likely noticed that work is underway. I wanted to take a moment to clarify for residents that while it was unfortunate to see the removal of several beautiful trees, this was not a directive or initiative led by the Village of South Barrington.
The tree removal was conducted by the Illinois Department of Transportation within the State’s right-of-way as part of their planned expansion of Barrington Road, a state-owned roadway, as well as the construction of a new bike path. Please feel free to reach out to me directly or contact Village Hall at villagehall@southbarrington.org if you have any questions regarding this or any other projects. We are happy to assist and provide additional information.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR PROPERTY TAX BILL
This week, Barrington Township visited Village Hall to host an informational workshop on understanding your property tax bill. Topics included available exemptions and how they may benefit homeowners, where your tax dollars go, and how tax rates are calculated.
The well attended session was informative and generated many great questions. Workshops like these are an important opportunity for residents to better understand how their property taxes are determined, identify potential savings through exemptions, and make more informed financial decisions.
If you have additional questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact the Assessor’s Office at 847-381-5632.
Those in attendance: Paula McCombie- Mayor, South Barrington, Mike Gentile- Barrington Township Assessor, John Langan- Barrington Township Trustee, Bob Alberding- Barrington Township Supervisor, Dan LeTourneau- Barrington Township Trustee, John Picchiotti- Senator Darby Hills Office, Connie Caroselli- Elk Grove Township Assessor, Bill Puhlman- Palatine Township Assessor, Jennifer Davis- Running for 8th District Congress
REMINDER: RENTAL LICENSE APPLICATIONS DUE TODAY
Rental permits are required in the Village of South Barrington.
Any person, firm, partnership, association, corporation, managing agent, property agent, or other legal entity intending to operate, maintain, or offer for rent any single-family dwelling (whether vacant or occupied) must submit a rental license application to the Village Administrator. Renting your home is allowed as long as it occurs for the minimum time period of 4 months.
The annual permit fee is $150.00, payable to the Village of South Barrington. Please note: if the completed application and fee are not submitted prior to April 1st of any given year, the license fee will increase by $25.00 on May 1st and on the first day of each subsequent month thereafter until the application and payment are received.
Current Rental Permit Holders: This is a reminder that all Rental License Applications are due today. If you have not yet completed your application, please submit it as soon as possible.
A copy of the rental application can be downloaded HERE or please reach out to Ryan Murphy at 847-381-7510 for assistance.
NOW OPEN: RED BARD CAFÉ AT GOEBBERTS FARM
Red Barn Café at Goebbert’s Farm, now open!
As the café begins operations, guests are encouraged to keep in mind that the first few days of service often come with minor adjustments. While the team has been preparing extensively, wait times may be slightly longer as operations are fine-tuned.
The café will feature a fresh, seasonal menu, and availability of certain items may vary or sell out. Check out the full menu HERE
We appreciate the community’s support of our local businesses and encourage residents to stop by and experience the newest addition to Goebbert’s Farm.
Hours:
Red Barn Café: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Goebbert’s Farm: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
NEW EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM EFFECTIVE JUNE 1ST
The Village of South Barrington will launch a new mass emergency notification system, Everbridge, to provide faster, more reliable emergency alerts to the community effective June 1st.
This free service delivers real-time notifications for severe weather, public safety incidents, road closures, and other urgent updates via phone, text, email, and mobile app. Alerts are fully customizable based on the user’s preferences.
More information will be shared over the next couple weeks regarding registration so please be on the lookout. Please note that re-registration is required, even if you were previously enrolled in CodeRED alerts.
SIP, SHOP & STROLL AT THE ARBORETUM
Turn your next shopping trip into a full experience at The Arboretum of South Barrington! Guests can enjoy craft beer, wine, cocktails, or mocktails while browsing their favorite shops.
Simply purchase your beverage from participating locations: Tangled Roots Craft Beer & Kitchen, The Hampton Social, Sim Racing South Barrington, or Star Cinema Grill, and request a special Sip & Shop cup with a lid to take your drink along as you explore.
Please note a few guidelines:
- All beverages must be purchased from participating Arboretum establishments (no outside alcohol permitted)
- Must be 21+ to purchase or consume alcohol
- Some retailers and restaurants may not participate—look for door decals for details
- Arboretum Code of Conduct must be followed
- Sip & Shop purchases are permitted until 7:30 p.m.
Sip, stroll, and enjoy all that the Arboretum has to offer!
FREE LIVE, VIRTUAL TOUR OF THE CHICAGO REGIONS WATER INFRASTRUCTURE & HISTORY
Travel back in time and discover the story of the Chicago River—from the incredible reversal of its flow to the evolution of modern wastewater treatment. Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how water is cleaned, descend 300 feet into the deep tunnel system, watch electrofishing along the river, and see goats and sheep in action maintaining native prairie landscapes. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience—click here to register. The video is well worth the watch.
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