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.
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