Title
Resolution requesting the submission of a binding question of public policy to the electors of Lake County regarding the elimination of the Office of the Recorder of Lake County.
Staff summary
• On December 5, 2019, the Lake County Recorder of Deeds attended the Financial and Administrative Committee and discussed the potential of consolidating the Recorder’s Office and its duties with the Clerk’s Office via referendum.
• The County Administrator’s Office completed initial research related to the consolidation process and reviewed other county processes and studies. The research resulted in a finding that the potential consolidation will result in some cost savings and provides the opportunity for integrated service delivery with the Clerk’s Office.
• Findings were presented to the Financial and Administrative Committee on January 9, 2020 and February 27, 2020.
• On February 27, 2020, the Financial and Administrative Committee provided direction to draft a resolution authorizing a referendum to appear on the November 3, 2020 ballot to eliminate the county office by December 1, 2022.
Body
R E S O L U T I O N
RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE SUBMISSION OF A BINDING QUESTION OF PUBLIC POLICY TO THE ELECTORS OF LAKE COUNTY REGARDING THE ELIMINATION OF THE OFFICE OF THE RECORDER OF LAKE COUNTY
WHEREAS, the Lake County Board places a high priority on reducing the costs of county government and closely related, overlapping administrative functions provide local governments with excellent opportunities for consolidation; and
WHEREAS, the functions of both the Office of the Lake County Recorder of Deeds (an office referred to in the Illinois Constitution and in the Counties Code simply as “Recorder”) and the Office of the Lake County Clerk include maintaining official records; and
WHEREAS, narrowly drawn administrative functions provide an excellent opportunity for consolidation with another office; and
WHEREAS, the Lake County Recorder of Deeds and the Lake County Clerk are amenable to the consolidation of the Office of the Recorder of Deeds into the Office of the Lake County Clerk and a potential Phase 1 plan has been agreed upon by both offices; and
WHEREAS, the County would realize cost savings and future service streamlining opportunities should the Office of the Lake County Recorder of Deeds be consolidated; and
WHEREAS, Illinois Constitution Article VII, Sections 4(c) and 11 provide that a County Board, by a resolution, may authorize a referendum to eliminate certain county offices, including the office of the Recorder of Deeds; and
WHEREAS, Section 28-7 of the Illinois Election Code (10 ILCS 5/28-7) provides that a governing body may initiate a public question as outlined in Article VII of the Illinois Constitution through resolution; and
WHEREAS, Section 28-2(c) of the Illinois Election Code (10 ILCS 5/28-2(c)) provides that a resolution of a unit of local government which initiates the submission of public questions pursuant to the law must be adopted no less than 79 days before a regularly scheduled election to be eligible for submission on a ballot at such election; and
WHEREAS, the next regularly scheduled election at which a referendum required by Article VII may be placed on the ballot will occur on November 3, 2020.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the County of Lake, a unit of local government, by and through the Lake County Board, that the following binding question shall be submitted to the qualified electors of the County of Lake on November 3, 2020:
SHALL THE OFFICE OF THE RECORDER OF LAKE COUNTY BE ELIMINATED ON DECEMBER 1, 2022, BY MERGING THAT OFFICE’S DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INTO THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK OF LAKE COUNTY?
[ ] Yes
[ ] No
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, this question, as fully set forth in the previous paragraph, is authorized and shall be submitted to the qualified electors of the County of Lake at the General Election to be held on November 3, 2020, in accordance with all applicable provisions of Illinois law; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the County Clerk, as the election authority of Lake County, is hereby directed to certify that binding question of public policy in accordance with Illinois law.
DATED at Lake County, Waukegan, Illinois, on June 9, 2020.