2013 Approved Budget - Lake County Illinois

As directed in County Board approved policies, Lake County continues to manage taxpayer
resources in a fiscally conservative manner. A complete copy of our budget policies is
included in the 2013 proposed budget. As a result of these long standing policies and
practices, Lake County remains on solid financial footing and continues to enjoy AAA rating
from both Moody’s and Standard and Poor’s.
Notable changes in expenditures include:
Budget Summary
- Excellent healthcare claims experience on the part of County employees and retirees
has resulted in another year of minimal increase (2.5%) in healthcare costs.
- A wage increase for personnel is included in the FY13 budget. Non-union employees
went without raises in 2010 and 2011 and received a modest increase in 2012.
- Due to favorable claims experience, the recommended budget reduced the amount
budgeted for non-health insurance claims.
- The adopted 2013 Public Works budget is down 14.7% due to the natural fluctuation
in planned capital projects.
- Six full-time positions and one seasonal position are reinstated in the 2013
recommended budget due to increased workload in key areas.
- Due to investments in efficiency as well as favorable pricing, the utility budget is once
again decreased.
- A strategic partnership with a private management company will result in the
expenditure of County funds at Winchester House below 2012 levels.
- Investments continue in our infrastructure, including our IT infrastructure.
Notable changes in revenues include:
- The 2013 budget does not include inheritance tax revenue, a loss of $1.2 million
compared to the 2012 budget.
- Continued modest recovery in economically-sensitive revenues (sales and income)
are forecasted in those revenue streams in the 2013 budget.
- Personal Property Replacement Tax is projected to decline by approximately 15%
($470,000) in 2013 because of the State’s refund fund establishment.
- Charges for service (licenses, permits, fees, etc.) are generally flat or declining in the
2013 budget to reflect the current trend of activity.
- Inclusion of foreclosure revenue in the Sheriff’s budget.
Appropriations Analysis of All County Funds
The following chart shows the FY2013 Adopted Budget compared to the FY2012 Approved
Budget:
Fund Type FY2012 FY2013 % Change
Property Tax - Operating 316,726,654 320,921,271 1.32%
Property Tax - Capital 12,799,500 12,381,837 -3.26%
Special Revenue 62,417,015 61,268,786 -1.84%
Debt Service 5,800,601 5,834,224 0.58%
Internal Service 43,739,506 45,194,706 3.33%
Enterprise 45,917,570 39,161,885 -14.71%
Special Service Areas 407,819 406,927 -0.22%
487,808,665 485,169,636 -0.54%
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