Michael Danforth News Today

The $640 million Lake County fiscal year 2024 budget includes the first tax levy increase in five years for various programs and initiatives, including compensation to attract and retain employees.

The key to success? Duct tape.

As Lake County continues to dole out funding from its dwindling ARPA money pool, there has been quiet disagreement among County Board members about whether or not to fund a mental health building for first responders

A $1,200 bonus to Lake County workers during the early part of the pandemic is among 23 projects and initiatives being recommended for $34.2 million in federal coronavirus recovery funding.

The matter of premium pay, which is being considered separately from nearly 80 project pitches seeking a share of about $45 million in remaining American Rescue Plan Act funds, drew support on the full Lake County Board floor in February after correctional officers and Teamsters Local 700 union representatives called for the measure.

The Special Committee on COVID-19 Pandemic Recovery and Investment, a subcommittee that reports to the Lake County Board’s Financial and Administrative Committee, met Friday for a presentation and discussion of more than 79 project proposals.

Former state senator Melinda Bush has won an appointment to the Metra Board of Directors, and a $15,000 stipend to supplement her semi-retirement from political life, over the objections of Lake County Republicans who cried political patronage. Bush founded the Lake County Democratic Women, and at least eight Democrats on the Lake County Board took thousands in donations from the PAC.

The Lake County Forest Preserves District Board passed a resolution approving a memorandum of understanding with the Waukegan Port District to support its effort to get the Federal Aviation Administration's blessing and funding for a runway extension, which would require selling off some forest preserves land and has enraged environmentalists.

Three new and 16 returning board members were officially sworn in to the Lake County Board with Sandy Hart and Mary Ross Cunningham picked as chair and vice chair, respectively, for a third consecutive term.

Democrats retained a solid majority and incumbents from both parties prevailed in reelection bids for the Lake County Board.