Peoria County finished 2015 with a budget surplus. That was information delivered in annual state of the county address.
Peoria County Board Chairman Andrew Rand credits the use of the County Board and Elected Officials Collaborative Committee. It's a committee of 20 that included the 9 elected offices holders along with county board members.
Rand says they worked together to identify practical and budgetary efficiencies and it was a big accomplishment. “Turns out while we had them at the table and they had us at the table, they effectively helped us control some payroll expenses that have generated a $1.5 million surplus as we are closing out 2015.”
Rand says the county is also expanding the use of it’s holiday message to shop local. He says the sales tax people pay when they shop, eat and play in Peoria County supports a wide variety of services people depend on every day, including the Sheriff Department and road maintenance.
The theme of the 2016 State of the County address today was ‘Positively Local!’