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January 4, 2016
Outlines 2016
Priorities for Government Consolidation and Unfunded Mandate Reform
A new report issued by a State task force includes 27
recommendations for streamlining local government through consolidation and
eliminating state mandates. The list includes a number of specific measures
brought forward by Lake County that could save taxpayers millions of dollars
annually.
Shortly after Gov. Rauner issued the Executive Order
creating the Task Force last year, Lake County Board Chairman Aaron Lawlor sent
a memo
to the task force and subsequently provided testimony detailing mandates that
could be reconsidered, as well as opportunities for consolidation and other
efficiencies.
“I want to thank the task force for listening to our
suggestions and ideas for improving local government. We appreciate the State
taking steps to remove any obstacles and encouraging local governments to take
the lead in tackling these issues. Lake County has already made significant
progress in reducing costs by making cuts and implementing efficiencies through
sharing services and joint purchasing,” Lawlor said.
The Task Force final report recommends several examples of
cost savings submitted by Lake County including: amending public notice and
document retention requirements to allow public documents to be posted online
and stored digitally, to reforming workers' compensation laws.
Lawlor also supports the task force recommendation to expand
DuPage County's pilot consolidation program to Lake County, which would give it
the authority to dissolve or consolidate government units whose boards are
appointed by the county board.
Lawlor added, “The report is a powerful example of what can
happen when we work together. There is a
lot more we need to do to consolidate, cut spending and provide relief to
taxpayers. As part of our 2016 Legislative Program, Lake County is asking State
legislators to advance several pieces that focus on consolidation and unfunded
mandates.”
For example, the Lake County Sheriff's Office maintains an
inmate welfare fund, which includes funds generated at the jail commissary.
However, ambiguous language in State code prohibits the County from using these
funds for other jail expenses, so Lake County is asking the legislature to
clarify the code to permit use of these funds to offset healthcare costs for
jail detainees.
Lake County is advancing legislation in cooperation with
local leaders to consolidate the Round Lake Sanitary District. The County is also leading an effort with
Cook and Collar County officials to repeal the 2015 legislative mandate on
juror pay which costs Lake County taxpayers at least $400,000 per year.
Lake County will pursue these specific legislative
initiatives and others during the upcoming legislative session.
View the 2016 Legislative Program
View the Local Government
Consolidation and Unfunded Mandates Task Force Final Report
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Contact: Jennie Vana
Communications Manager
Lake County Administrator's Office
Email Address: jvana@lakecountyil.gov
Phone Number: 847.377.2154
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