Title
Joint resolution authorizing the emergency appropriation of $20,000 from the State’s Attorney’s Office (SAO) Environmental Prosecution fund to pay consultant invoice for current Civil case.
Staff Summary
• The SAO Office requests the allocation of $20,000 from its Environmental Prosecution fund to pay for a data analysis invoice.
• The Environmental Prosecution fund has a current cash balance of $157,000.
• In accordance with Illinois Statute 415 ILCS 5/42 (f), the SAO is to bring action against those that violate environmental laws. Therefore, these funds may be used for expenses to assist with civil actions within the SAO.
• In recent years, there has been little to no activity in this fund. As it is difficult to predict when an environmental case will need to be handled, the typical budget amount of $10,000 was budgeted for FY 2024.
• There have been two cases thus far this fiscal year, so the requested amount will cover the outstanding invoice for $13,730 from Terracon for data review and analysis and allow for another potential case before fiscal year end.
Body
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office has an Environmental Prosecution Fund established by fees related to environmental violation cases; and
WHEREAS, the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office will use these funds to prosecute civil actions brought against violators of environmental laws within Lake County; and
WHEREAS, there is a current proposal from Terracon for data review and analysis in the prosecution of this Civil case in the amount of $13,730; and
WHEREAS, the State’s Attorney’s Office requests an emergency appropriation from the Environmental Prosecution fund in the amount of $20,000 to cover the current invoice and allow for additional invoices.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by this County Board of Lake County, Illinois, that $20,000 is to be appropriated from the Environmental Prosecution cash account into expense account 780-3320010-79940 as identified by the attached budget; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Chair of the Board, the Lake County State’s Attorney, and the Lake County Treasurer are hereby authorized to allow this emergency appropriation.
DATED at Waukegan, Illinois, on September 10, 2024.