The economic crisis has impacted local governments everywhere. Lake County faced a multi-million dollar budget shortfall for 2010 due to lost revenue from property tax growth on new development, as well as declines in sales and business taxes. We are also facing budget challenges due to the lack of State funding for certain services. 

Even in the face of these extraordinary economic times, we have closed our budget gap while preserving services. We have a balanced 2010 budget and the State of Lake County is currently secure. (Watch County Board discussion - Click Item #27)

Getting here was not easy. We started planning early and took a strategic, measured approach. The County Board adopted cost-saving programs including reviewing each vacancy and holding vacancies where we could. Employees voluntarily cut their work hours for less pay. The County also reduced staffing levels in some departments where workload was down due to the slowdown in housing and construction. Also, we have not allocated funds in this budget for employee raises.

I want to thank our hard working employees who have provided valuable input on ways to cut costs and operate more efficiently. Many departments are feeling the effects of holding vacancies and being asked to do more with less. We appreciate your dedicated service to this county. 

During these tough times, every bit counts and we should tighten our belt wherever we can. To that end, I am not taking a wage increase this year and some other board members have also indicated that they are foregoing an increase.

Lake County has been able to sustain its fiscal stability because the Board’s philosophy has always been: don’t spend money we don’t have. We’ve saved money by paying for things using cash rather than accumulating debt. People ask why we are building new facilities in these dire economic times.

The answer is that we’ve been planning for these projects for many years and we started construction prior to the changes in the economy. We’re able to fund these using a combination of cash and limited bond financing. 

As County Board chairman, I get countless emails from residents asking all sorts of questions, especially about their property tax bills. It’s important to understand that Lake County doesn’t determine your tax bill. While you write your property tax payment to the Lake County Collector, Lake County government uses only 7%.

So, for a house with a value of $250 thousand, $346 of the property tax bill goes to county government. The rest is distributed to more than 200 other taxing districts, with schools getting the biggest piece. Each government body sets its own tax rate, its own budget and holds budget hearings. Taxpayers have an opportunity to provide input at these hearings. Unless taxing bodies reduce spending levels, property tax bills will remain at current levels.

The County Board continues to focus on priorities such as transportation, economic opportunities, the environment, healthy communities and public safety.

I am committed to keeping residents informed about what’s happening in county government, as well as keeping county government transparent. If you have questions by sending an email to countyboard@lakecountyil.gov or calling 847.377.2300.

Thank you.