The Illinois General Assembly tripled the RTA sales tax spring a year ago to bail out the CTA. (No McHenry County legislators voted for this tax hike.)

Money to finance the gas for the bus you see above–about $5,800 a year–will come out of McHenry County’s local share, most of which will be spent on roads. The lease of the bus for five years is coming from Veterans Assistance Commission funds, according to Adam Lehman, McHenry County government’s new Public Information Officer.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Locally Based Service for the VAC of McHenry County

WOODSTOCK, IL – The Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC) of McHenry County hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Locally Based Service (LBS) Vehicle. This event took place at the McHenry County Administration Building yesterday in conjunction with Veteran’s Day.

The new “Champion” LBS vehicle has a capacity of 11 passengers and will be dedicated to the transportation of veterans throughout McHenry County. The vehicle is being financed through RTA sales tax funds to provide this first of its kind service in Illinois.

County Board member Mary Donner highlighted the positive impact this service will have.

“McHenry County has always had a strong cooperative relationship with the VAC and now also with PACE. This unique relationship allows McHenry County and PACE to assist the VAC with providing a premium service to our veterans. What could be better than serving those who have served us?”

During the event, the VAC of McHenry County Director Mike Iwanicki shared how this new LBS vehicle will further benefit local veterans along with McHenry County Veterans Programs, such as the Illinois Veterans Lottery Grant and VA compensation and pension claims.

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Photo and press release provided by Adam Lehman, McHenry County government’s new Public Information Officer.