On the periodic email from McHenry County, Board Chairman Joe Gottemoller explains what he said in his State of the County Address:
Joe Gottemoller
At the February 2, 2016 County Board meeting, I delivered the 2016 State of the County Address.
My message to the County Board was clear:
it is still about the economy.
The County has made significant progress to reduce its portion of the property tax burden, including reducing its workforce by 15% since 2010, opting not to collect the CPI for the past four years, and approving the County’s smallest budget this year in the past nine years.
However, property taxes remain a challenge for McHenry County homeowners, especially for those who have seen the value of their home decline.
To lower McHenry County residential property taxes, it is imperative we support commercial development to retain and create primary jobs.
The County is working with local and regional partners to create an environment conducive to the needs of local businesses.
- First, the County is partnering with the City of Woodstock, Woodstock School District 200, and McHenry County College to install high speed internet fiber. The County will participate in public-private partnerships to encourage private access.
- Second, transportation access remains a critical priority. The County is working with the state, counties, and local municipalities to invest in roadway improvements, transportation corridors, and access to interstate to create a sustainable long-term transportation network.
- Lastly, the County is creating an economic incentive program and supporting the new Harvard-Woodstock Enterprise Zone. The zone will encourage job growth within designated areas. The economic incentive program will standardize tax credits to ensure fairness and reward businesses which create primary jobs in McHenry County.
Following the State of the County Address, the County Board approved the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). The strategy was developed in collaboration with the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, and Boone and Winnebago Counties to identify industrial clusters in the region, including food and agriculture, manufacturing, metals, transportation and healthcare. Healthcare industry leaders choose to remain in the greater Chicago area due to their proximity to local research and hospitals. The CEDS provides data and planning tools so McHenry County can continue to support regional industry strengths.
McHenry County is committed to protecting and providing a greater future for residents and local industry. The County Board has demonstrated we can improve efficiencies and reduce property taxes. We will continue to care for and encourage economic development to lower tax bills and grow primary jobs which contribute to the local economy. We are beginning a great future, and I look forward to continue working with the McHenry County Board.
Blah, Blah , Blah……….
same old B.S. we’ve heard before.