Accountability begins with a strong commitment from Lake County Commissioners to listen to, and act upon, citizen needs. Citizens can provide input in County Government through a variety of means, such as serving on Boards and Committees, attending the Citizens’ Academy, responding to surveys or contacting the Commissioners or staff members directly.

Commissioners listen, set goals and take action. Specific and measurable individual employee goals are tied directly to Commissioners’ goals, and a budget is prepared and adopted to implement the goals. The accountability wheel demonstrates this process.

Lake County is accountable for tax dollars in a variety of ways:

• Written justification for each item requested in the budget is required.
• The Budget Office and County Manager carefully review each budget before it is finalized. Departmental budgets may be reduced to maximize efficient and effective tax dollar use.
• Commissioners review the budget and make recommendations at workshops and two public hearings in September. All meetings are open to the public.
• Policies and procedures are in place to prevent the budget from being overspent.
• A Quarterly Revenue Report details the major revenues received. It also provides a revenue summary by fund and funding source, and a revenue analysis. It is reviewed by the County Commissioners, County Manager and department directors.