News Release: Lake County Board Chairman Outlines Millions of Dollars in Savings for Governor’s Task Force to Consider

Lake County

News Release                                                                                                   Contact:

March 5, 2015                                                                                            Jennie Vana

Lake County Communications Manager
847-707-9210

Lake County Board Chairman Outlines Millions of Dollars in Savings for Governor’s Task Force to Consider 

As Governor Bruce Rauner forms a special task force to examine unfunded mandates imposed on local governments, Lake County Board Chairman Aaron Lawlor sent a list of more than a dozen specific items for the group to consider that would save Lake County taxpayers millions. The list is a result of a comprehensive analysis of the hundreds of state mandates imposed on county governments. 

Governor Rauner issued an executive order in February creating the Local Government and Consolidation and Unfunded Mandate Task Force, which is chaired by Lt. Governor Evelyn Sanguinetti and includes representatives of units of local government, school districts, and State representatives.

Lake County’s list covers mandates that could be reconsidered, as well as opportunities for consolidation and other efficiencies. The immediate cost savings identified in the report add up to $2.1 million, and millions more in ongoing savings related to restructuring compensation packages and workers’ compensation reform.  In addition, the State requires certain notices be published in the newspaper and requires local governments to store hard copies of records rather than electronic copies – requirements that are antiquated, inefficient, and costly.  Also, recent election law changes now require voter registration in every polling place on Election Day, grace period registration, and early voting at a cost of $1 million to Lake County.

Lake County Board Chairman Aaron Lawlor said, “We recognize that solving our State’s financial problems is going to take everyone at the table and requires shared sacrifice. We are asking the Governor and the task force to carefully weigh the costs and benefits of each mandate so that we can provide real relief to local governments and taxpayers.”

Over the last several years, Lake County has taken great strides to reduce costs, merge functions and increase efficiencies. 

“We have taken steps to realize substantial cost savings by making cuts and implementing efficiencies like sharing services with other governments, joint purchasing, and other measures. Additionally, we are taking a leadership role in advancing tough issues like 911 consolidation,” Chairman Lawlor said. “Now, we’re asking the State to assist us in this effort by lifting unnecessary and costly mandates.”

The task force is required to submit its findings to the Governor and General Assembly by the end of the year.