2010 Budget: Meeting the Challenge of Difficult Times

About the Program

Category: Financial Management (Best in Category)

Year: 2010

Like other governments, Lake County experienced extraordinary fiscal challenges impacting its 2009 and 2010 budgets, due to the economic downturn. In response, Lake County started planning early and implemented various measures to address its budget deficit. The distinguishing factor in Lake County’s process is how the county used effective communication strategies rather than furloughs, across the board budget cuts, or eliminating services to help solve its budget crisis. The primary objective was to foster cooperation and have employees participate in the process, as well as inform audiences, minimize rumors, and quell fears. This was accomplished through various communication tools and tactics, including regular reports, multiple letters to employees, employee forums, employee input, fact sheets, and FAQ’s posted to the employee intranet site and public website, a video explaining where tax dollars come from and where they go, and lastly, personal interaction. More than 500 employees submitted suggestions and many were implemented. For example, based on employee input, Lake County created a unique program that allowed qualified employees to retire early, creating a significant cost-savings for the County. As a result of this communication strategy, stakeholders were not only informed of the ongoing challenges but engaged in developing solutions. As a result, the board adopted a balanced budget that was $6 million less than the previous year.