At the beginning of County Bord meetings, the publc is given an opportunity to address the Board for a maximum of three minutes.
Here is what Kelly Liebman, a leader in the Libertarian Party of McHenry County said:
“A county executive can weaken the influence of a county board in several ways including
- expanding executive control over administration,
- using appointment authority,
- budget control,
- limiting the flow of information,
- veto power,
- administrative reorganization,
- negotiating contracts and
- using emergency powers.
“A referendum presented to elected officials and voters before sufficient public education and discussion risks creating significant problems.
“A change from a county board form of government to a county executive system should not be considered without thorough planning, clear public information, and answers to key concerns.
“I, along with several board members, continue to have questions that have not been answered during public meetings.
“The discussions in the Law & Government, Finance & Audit and Administrative Services committees over the past month and half have consistently reflected a need for additional information before moving forward.
“Several fundamental questions remain unanswered:
- Why did Will & Champaign Counties pass county executive referenda without the home rule component?
- Did the State’s Attorney give an opinion on whether a county can become a home rule county without moving toward a county executive?Did the State’s Attorney give an opinion on whether a county can become a home rule county without moving toward a county executive?
- Why would the board go forward with a referendum in which the county is not prepared if it should pass? What would having a county executive and home rule county entail?
- What are the nuts and bolts of what it takes to disassemble the current system governing McHenry County and establishing a new county executive role?
- A home rule county is not subject to Property Tax Extension Limitations; what additional taxes and fees will the county have the power to enact without voter approval if the home rule/county executive referendum passes? Would the county board have a voice or vote on future tax proposals, or would the county executive have sole discretion?
- Is there anything the county board could do if McHenry County became home rule that could set any additional structure to put limitations on future boards to create new taxes?
- Will the jail have home rule exception in regard to the ICE contract that was cancelled in 2022?
“Until these questions are answered publicly and the implications of both a county executive and home rule are clearly explained to board members and residents, I do not believe this referendum is ready to move forward.
“The public deserves a transparent process that allows voters to make an informed decision.”
