2013 Approved Budget - Lake County Illinois

Enhancements to the County’s Oracle ERP including the implementation of an
inventory management and work order system.
Continued funding for infrastructure needs as identified in the facility assessment
process.
A more complete description of this program is provided in the Capital Improvement Program
section of this document.
Strategic Plan
The County Board adopts a Strategic Plan every two years. The plan includes not just goals
but also strategies and actions in support of these goals. These goals then translate into
specific departmental initiatives and priorities, funded in the annual operating and capital
budgets. Alignment with these goals is also a strong factor when considering new program
requests from departments during the annual budget process.
Throughout the year, departments from across the County meet in functional working groups
on each of these goals as the achievement of these goals requires the efforts of multiple
departments. On a regular basis, the County reports progress to the Board in support of the
Board’s goals. The latest annual progress reports, as well as the current strategic plan, are
available on the County website.
Following the seating of a new Board in December of 2012, in 2013 the Board will once
again engage in a process of updating the Strategic Plan. As part of this effort, the Board will
engage the public and give residents a voice in the process. Lake County is holding five
community forums across the county to engage in meaningful dialogue with residents and
stakeholders. Residents will have an opportunity to help shape important policy and
decisions, and influence where the County will focus its resources. The Lake County Board
will thoughtfully consider this input as it reviews its long-term strategic plan. The Board will
adopt its final plan in May and it will be used by County departments to guide budget and
policy decisions.
Recognition
Lake County has AAA credit ratings from Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s Investors Services.
Bond ratings are based on a thorough analysis of fiscal policy, debt management, the
balance of revenues with public spending, and current and long-term fiscal outlook. The fact
that Lake County has maintained its AAA rating, the highest possible credit score given to
governments, is a testament to the prudent financial management of the County Board and
staff. In the most recent rating of the Series 2011 GO Bonds, the rating agencies highlighted
the County’s developed economic base, well-managed financial operations and strong
performance which provide financial flexibility, and manageable debt burden as the rationale
for the outstanding rating.
Lake County has been recognized for its financial management by the Government Finance
Officers Association with the presentation of the “Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in
Financial Reporting” for Lake County’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report and the
“Distinguished Budget Presentation Award” for meeting the highest principles of
governmental budgeting.
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