Conservation district's budget nears approval

Miles of new bicycle trails and millions of dollars to preserve open space are among the highlights of a $79.5 million 2009 budget nearing final approval for the McHenry County Conservation District.

The budget won unanimous backing Tuesday from the McHenry County Board's Finance and Audit Review Committee and heads to the full county board for final approval next week.

Most of the money in the spending plan -- about $54.3 million -- is set aside for land acquisition, part of a $73 million bond issue approved by voters last year.

Officials say it is very unlikely they will spend all those funds in the 2009 fiscal year but include it for flexibility.

The district's general fund budget, which covers most operating and personnel costs, is $8.17 million for the next fiscal year, a 3.3 percent hike over the prior year.

That increase includes the cost of two more full-time police officers, 4 percent salary increases for most employees and an 11.4 percent hike in worker benefit costs.

The budget's list of capital expenditures includes a $191,000 plan to build trails, a shelter, informational kiosk and other amenities at the 198-acre Lake in the Hills Fen site and a $1.5 million plan to build a two-mile bike path from North Oak Street in Crystal Lake to McHenry County College.

The plan includes a trailhead with parking, restrooms and bicycle racks at the district's Woodman parcel in Crystal Lake.