McHenry Co. OKs $4 mil bond issue for building expansion

Despite some members' ongoing doubts about its necessity, the McHenry County Board on Tuesday approved a $4 million bond issue to fund a large addition at the McHenry County Mental Health Board's Crystal Lake headquarters.

Board members voted 13-6 in favor of a measure by which the county will use its bonding authority through the federal economic stimulus package to borrow the money, then turn it over to the mental health board.

The mental health board, under an agreement authorized last month, will repay the county for the loan.

The borrowing will fund a 22,000-square-foot, two-story addition that will provide additional meeting, training and office space for the agency.

Sandy Lewis, executive director of the mental health board, said its officials were "delighted" with the decision, noting the agency expects to reap significant savings by issuing lower-interest bonds made possible through the federal stimulus package.

"This building really represents a community asset," Lewis said.

The project has been dogged by controversy for months, particularly from leaders of some social service agencies who rely on the mental health board for funding. They worry construction of a new building means less money for their programs.

Lewis, however, said Wednesday the mental health board would continue to provide the same funding - and likely increase it - while repaying off the bonds.

That was not enough to win over all critics. County Board member Barbara Wheeler said she supports the mental health board's mission, but not its expansion.

"My fear is the growth of government at a much greater pace than it should be," she said.

With funding now lined up, Lewis said the agency hopes to break ground on the project this summer and be in the addition about this time next year.