Crystal Lake Library Board Member Rebutts Steve Willson’s Critique

To set this up, here’s Lakewood’s Steve Willson’s observations concerning the deminishing patronage of the Crystal Lake Public Library: Orginally, from Lakewood resident Steve Wilson: Crystal Lake Library Annual Statistical Report Crystal Lake Library recently mailed its “Annual Report” to … Continue reading

Crystal Lake Public Library Circulation Down Precipitously in Last Nine Years

From Lakewood resident Steve Wilson: Crystal Lake Library Annual Statistical Report Crystal Lake Library recently mailed its “Annual Report” to all the families in Crystal. It has lots of pictures and graphics showing statistics on usage for the fiscal year … Continue reading

2016 Statistics for McHenry County Schools – Spending per Pupil & per Classroom

Yesterday we looked at demographic information about McHenry County school districts. Today, with the help of a Friend of McHenry County Blog, we shall explore information on how the money is spent. Two statistics are shown below: Expenditures per pupil … Continue reading

Obamacare 23% More Expensive in Woodstock Than Chicago

Here’s what Woodstock resident Susan Handelsman found: Healthcare.gov premiums 23%+ higher in 60098 (Woodstock) than in Chicago 60602 Male age 50 median income $58,000 earner, CHEAPEST BRONZE PLAN, minimum $6000 deductible: ZIP CODE: 60602 (Chicago) vs. 60098 (Woodstock) SEX: Male … Continue reading

Cost of the Algonquin Bypass

Now that the election season is (almost) behind us, perhaps we can start thinking about public policy again and not just politics.  Below is a study by Steve Willson on the Algonquin Bypass: Our Outrageous Roads In September of 2014, … Continue reading

McSweeney Goes After Local Governmental Travel Costs

A press release from State Rep. David McSweeney: Rep. McSweeney’s Bill Would Bring More Accountability for Local Government Costs Springfield, Illinois—State Representative David McSweeney (R-Barrington Hills) has proposed legislation to eliminate the use of taxpayer funds for entertainment costs and … Continue reading

MCCD Second Most Expensive Conservation/Forest Preserve District

A friend of McHenry County Blog decided to compare the financials and acreage of the McHenry County Conservation District with those of similar open space districts. Compared to other agencies, McHenry County scores Number One in acreage per capita. While … Continue reading

A Critique of MCC’s Financial Path

This arrived from a friend of McHenry County Blog.  It appears that McHenry County’s nursing home isn’t the only taxing entity that is squirreling money away.  (See “Continued Over Taxation for Valley Hi in County Budget.”) McHenry County College continues … Continue reading

CFI Dead, Triple Left Lanes Recommended to County Board

As I predicted last night, the Continuous Flow Intersection proposed by the McHenry County Transportation Committee and County Board has succumbed to political, business and village official pressure. As Chairwoman Anna May Miller put it, “The CFI had significant push … Continue reading

Prying the Jail Cost Numbers from the Locked Down Sheriff’s Department

Municipal bond analyst Steve Wilson left the following message under the first part of my report of the McHenry County Board debate about the $10 increase for housing Federal prisoners: How much are we losing each day per prisoner? I … Continue reading

BGA Goes After Township Government – Road Costs

A couple of weeks ago news media unloaded the latest attack on township government. They were working from a Better Government Association report. Most of the attention was aimed at Cook County townships. That’s where most of the land is … Continue reading