Message from the Chairman
I’m proud of the county board’s
commitment to fiscal responsibility.
Together, the County has drastically
cut the budget over the last several
years, much like families across the
county. This year’s budget is $2.6
million less than last year’s and $19.4
million less than it was in 2009. The
board also froze the property tax levy
for the 2013 budget. Lake County
also continues to maintain a AAA
bond rating – the highest credit
rating possible – from both Standard
and Poor’s and Moody’s.
Transparency is one of my key priorities as chairman. Lake
County government is an open book. Residents have the
same access to briefings and materials that board members
receive when making decisions on policy issues and the
budget. This newsletter is packed with information about
Lake County government, including the budget,
transportation, our strategic priorities, and updates on key
The County Board makes
smart, long-term decisions
Invest in infrastructure, both physical and technological, in
order to increase efficiencies. For example, technology
is helping the Division of Transportation plow roads faster.
Invest in our transportation infrastructure dedicating the full ¼
percent sales tax to improving transportation, committing $557
million toward transportation over the next five years.
Do more with less! The State of Illinois has drastically cut our
revenues(i.e.: $2 million inheritance tax; $200,000 in lost grant
funding for election judges; about $456,000 from a key business tax).
initiatives. I hope you take a moment to review the
information we have put together and see how Lake
County is working hard to provide the services of county
government in the most efficient and effective way
possible.
You can also receive important updates on issues that
impact you, such as road construction, property tax
assessment appeals, and severe weather alerts by signing
up for my e-newsletter at www.lakecountyil.gov and
clicking on the “Connect with Lake County” button. There,
you can also connect with your local county board member,
other elected officials and various departments.
It’s a pleasure to serve as your county board chairman and
work with such a dedicated county board. Please feel free
to contact us with questions or concerns.
Aaron Lawlor
Lake County Board Chairman
Phone: 847.377.2300
[email protected]
Froze the property tax levy for
existing properties in 2013 to
provide some relief to taxpayers.
Implemented efficiencies across
county government to save
money (i.e.: consolidated
positions, held positions vacant,
utilized technology).
Save and pay for big capital
projects with cash. (Only 1% of
our budget is for debt service).
We cut the Budget
Cut $19.4
million from
budget since
2009
Cut personnel
by 320
positions over
last four years
Cut utility
budget by
$1.2 million
annually by
implementing
energy
conservation
measures
Cut insurance claims by 29%
through safety initiatives,
education and aggressive
claim management
Cut costs at Winchester
House– Lake County’s
long-term skilled nursing
facility - by $1.6 million
annually by privatizing the
staffing and management
with Health Dimensions
Group