$19 Million Committed to COVID-19 Recovery Among Several Measures Approved by County Board  

At its June 9 meeting, the Lake County Board passed measures to aid COVID-19 recovery efforts, potentially consolidate Lake County government services, and promote diversity and inclusion in Lake County Government's workforce. These include:  

• A resolution authorizing an emergency appropriation of CARES Act Coronavirus Relief funds in the amount $19 million for rental, utility, food and small business assistance as well as reimbursements of County-incurred COVID-19 expenses. 
• A resolution adding a binding question on the November 2020 ballot about consolidating the Lake County Recorder of Deeds Office into the Lake County Clerk's Office. 
• A resolution adding a Lake County Government employee diversity and inclusion policy.  
• Extending the temporary ban on open burning in unincorporated Lake County until July 15.  

Last month, the Lake County Board established a special committee focused on COVID-19 recovery and relief. The committee has been providing timely guidance and strategic priorities to the County Administrator for the planning and execution of the federal COVID-19 response funds provided to Lake County under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Today, the Lake County Board approved recommendations from the committee for CARES Act funding to be directed towards the following programs:  

• $10 million Small Business Assistance 
• $4 million Rental Assistance 
• $2 million Food Insecurity 
• $1 million Utility Assistance
• $2 million Lake County COVID-19 Expenses  

The Board also approved $600,000 in grants for Lake County social service organizations, funded by video gaming revenue. A list of organizations receiving the funding can be found using this link. 

Action taken by the Board today means there will be a binding question on the ballot this November asking voters about consolidating the Lake County Recorder of Deeds Office into the Lake County Clerk’s Office. Lake County could potentially see cost savings and future service streamlining opportunities if the Recorder of Deeds Office is consolidated.  

In other action, the Board also approved a resolution adding a diversity and inclusion policy in Lake County’s employee policies. It requires that all Lake County Government employees treat others with dignity and respect and attend an annual diversity awareness training.