Cost range for the various options.
The Facilities Management Committee, chaired by McHenry County Board member Jim Heisler, is looking at multiple options to provide more space for county workers.
In the upper right hand corner of each page is a box with dollar signs.
The key to the right shows what they mean.
Below you will see the options:
This addition to the eastern side of the courthouse would cost from $2-5 million, according this a study by Kluber.
This addition in the current underutilized courtyard would also cost $2-$5 million.
A $5-$8 million expansion possibility.
Here’s a proposal that would extend the courthouse west into the current parking lot. The cost? $5 to $8 million.
The most ambitious proposals cost over $8 million.
This proposal next to the Administration would exceed $8 million in cost.
Buying and rehabbing the completely energy inefficient 666 Russel Court Building is another option.
A second proposed re-purposing of 666 Russel Court.
Options if the Health Department’s Nursing Division is moved to 666 Russel Court.
The old church at the corner of Route 47 and Ware Road is also in play.
Lots of reference to future space needs for expansion of government center.
One reference made to 2008 master plan–you know, just before the recession hit and new home construction halted.
County population growth is flat and soon to start
declining.
Taxpayer burden rises annually.
Renovations may be reasonable to pursue.
Expansion, no so much.
emiclake pretty well nails it.
Population drops from 320,000 to 308,000 so we need to expand government buildings.
We sure do elect the dumb ones don’t we?
How about we eliminate the court curtain call and schedule attendance?
This business of having EVERYONE THERE first thing in the morning is an insult to the taxpayers!!
How about we move the health department to the Mental Health Board Taj(x) Mahal?
How about we start using Elgin Mental Health center for what it was designed instead of incarcerating the mentally ill in our jail?]
We already have too much government – more building = more government!!
yep and people have an exit plan in this county and state!!
so work with what you have like us working none pension people have to do!
Since when is $2M small money?
So let’s spend more money when McHenry County has the 29th highest property taxes in the United States .
Mr. Heisler,wake up & understand that we want people LIKE YOU to stop spending OUR MONEY !
Every project like this adds to what WE TAXPAYERS end up paying & we RESENT THIS .
Also, what larger businesses would want to come into this county with taxes the way they are ?
McHenry County is waaaay overdue in tightening the financial belt & saying NO
To all these expansion type projects.
No No No Mr Heisler !
We need LESS government, not more government.
We need LESS spending, not more spending
What is the logic for providing more space for more government?
Why is this “needed”?
I am sure most taxpayers in this county are ANGRY at the existing level of taxes, do you expect support when you are increasing the tax burden?
If things are a little crowded or less that ideal, we don’t care.
Live with what you have.
I don’t want to see my taxes or county expenditures go up by a penny.
We are taxed to and beyond the breaking point.
No more increases in spending.
After that $25k give away to Local 150, how about ZERO construction projects until we have prevailing wage and collective bargaining reform.
Zero, zilch.
If they really need more space they can install some of the trailers that are often used as temporary classrooms.
Put them in back and screen them off with bushes.
I’m sure some of the local school districts have some sitting around doing nothing.
No new projects.
Cut spending.
Reduce layers of government here in IL.
As municipal borders expand, there is less “policing” for the Sheriff’s Office, less regulatory issues for the health dept., planning and zoning, etc.
With the population shrinking as well, there is no need to grow and build.
Get out of the real estate and nursing home businesses.
Stop competing with the private market and rid us of Valley Hi’s endless list of job openings to fill
And the Superintendent of schools can go, too, which will capture the expanded space that houses Ms. Schermerhorn and all her personal staff($$).
I second the motion by NeedChange.