A new budget year begins December 1 for the McHenry County Government and the County Board Tuesday night approved a smaller budget than last year. This slimmed document is balanced and $6.9 million smaller than the Fiscal Year 2010 budget.
A lot of work went into cutting down the spending, something that was necessary due to the reduction in revenues. In total, the County reduced its budget from $248,381,320 for Fiscal Year 2010 to $242,507,244 for Fiscal Year 2011.
Although there were reductions in nearly all areas of County Government, no dramatic cuts were made in services. However, there are cuts in almost all areas of the County Government. So far, the County has not had to utilize reserves to cover expenses.
During the most recent weeks, County staff has proposed additional cuts to a number of departments in the area of overtime. There are 40 "frozen" positions, meaning there are fewer postions to be funded than two years ago in the Fiscal Year 2009 budget.
Addtionally, a number of groups that have received financial assistance, can expect reduced contributions . However, it is not expected to be devastating to any of them.
This Fiscal year 2011 Budget does not include wage increases for any non-union employees and there are also several union groups who are not guaranteed a wage increased.
During discussion on the budget, Marc Munnaretto, Chair of the Finance Committee expressed special thanks to the budget stakeholders, the staff and departmetn heads. Also specal thanks to Ralph Sauerbaugh-Associate County Administrator-Finance.
Approval for the budget was not unanimous with three of the 24 Board members voting "no" including John Hammerand-R-3, James Kennedy-D-5 and Yvonne Barnes-R-1.
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