McHenry Co. Launches Website to Show Cost-Saving Measures

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL -- With the hopes of being more transparent as to how taxes in McHenry County are being spent, the county has launched a new"innovative performance measurement tool" on its website. McHenry County 24/7 is meant to track progress toward the county’s goal of "keeping taxes as low as possible," according to a news release from McHenry County. As the name suggests, it measures 24 metrics across county’s seven key areas, from paper usage reduction to the $1.99 million the county has earned in interest on county funds to provide additional revenue without increasing taxes.

The McHenry County 24/7 tool can be accessed on the McHenry County Government website.

Each of the 24 performance measurements explain how they are resulting in efficiencies
and service improvements, government officials said. Visitors to the webpage can click on each measurement to learn why it is important, how it is calculated, and other relevant information.

“Each metric in this innovative performance measurement tool tells the story of how our
departments and elected officials are making procedural changes, integrating technology
and undertaking creative initiatives to reduce costs and find efficiencies. Altogether, 24/7
tells the greater story of how McHenry County is committed to finding better ways to do
our jobs and are working toward the strategic goal of operating at the lowest possible tax
levy,” Deputy County Administrator Scott Hartman said.

McHenry County 24/7 is only a part of McHenry County government’s ongoing efforts to
reduce the tax burden on homeowners and businesses, officials said last week.

The McHenry County Board, with the help of its fiscally minded departments, has reduced its tax
levy by more than $18 million over the past two years. Board members voted earlier this
year to rebate $15 million of the $40 million surplus for Valley Hi Nursing Home back to
homeowners, who have until July 31 to apply online at www.mchenrycountyil.gov.