McHenry Co. official: Lean times ahead

McHenry County Board Chairman Ken Koehler praised his colleagues for their fiscal conservatism during his sixth annual State of the County address Tuesday, but warned them that more belt-tightening may lie ahead.

In a speech intentionally light on new proposals for 2010, Koehler said McHenry County is weathering the economic crisis better than most of its peers in Illinois.

"We've been flexible in both our governance and finances in response to what many call the Great Recession," he said. "And, like many units of government, McHenry County has felt the pressure of the economic slowdown. But unlike many other government entities, our sound financial management has put us in a strong position to respond to the continuing economic challenges we will face in 2010."

Koehler spent much of the speech recapping accomplishments of 2009, including the completion of the Algonquin Road expansion through Algonquin, Lake in the Hills and Huntley; the completion of the county's first new comprehensive plan since 1993; the creation of the McHenry County Housing Commission; and its use of stimulus-related bonding authority to help communities like Cary, Fox River Grove and Crystal Lake.

"Through the tough times of 2009, we continued to move forward to improve the quality of life for county residents," he said. "We have accomplished much over the past year."

Although Koehler did not bring forth any new major proposals, he said the economic downturn should not lead to inaction. He listed efforts to address flooding woes in some parts the county, working with municipalities to fix roads and expanding broadband capabilities through the county as work that can be done while remaining fiscally conservative.

"The county can do a lot without jeopardizing its finances," he said.