Kane County began fiscal 2012 on Dec. 1 with nearly 24 percent fewer government employees than in 2004 —even as the county's population continued to grow during the entire period.

Long before the economy sank into recession, Kane County had embarked on a course of fiscal prudence by keeping a tight rein on spending, building reserves, and working to control growth
to keep it from overtaking the ability to manage it.
What were sound policies in the last decade, when they first were pursued, became a saving grace during what has become the worst economic downturn in generations. The willingness and ability of Kane County employees to help shoulder the load cannot be overstated.
"Our employees are the backbone of the County," said County Board chairman Karen McConnaughay. "It really makes you realize what a great team of employees we have in Kane County. Together they have provided Kane County with the ability to "weather the economic storm that has swamped many others."
McConnaughay praised county employees for their efficiency, professionalism and commitment "to serving the needs of our community" and for continuing to focus on what she called "the simple idea that smaller government, if it is responsive, efficient, and professional can capably serve the public without making excessive demands on the families and businesses it serves."
"Kane County is in a solid financial position thanks to the hard work of the Kane County Board and the men and women of county government," she said. The efficiencies achieved since 2004, when Kane County had nearly 400 more employees than it does currently, were the result, in part, of 14 main functions being consolidated under seven directors. The following changes were made:
• KaneComm 911 became a separate governing board previously under the Sheriff.
• Central Services, which had oversight of purchasing, microfilm, the print shop and mail room was eliminated. Purchasing functions are now handled by the Finance Division. Microfilm and print shop services, by the Information Technology Division (IT) and mail room functions by Facilities.
• The new Executive Director of Facilities, Development & Environmental Resources took over responsibility for Buildings and Grounds, Environmental Management, Development, Water Resources, and Transportation with oversight over Water Resources.
The Development Department now administers Economic Development, Planning & Projects, and Building & Zoning and has an administrative services staff. The Division of Transportation previously had a Director or Transportation and a County Engineer. Two management positions were consolidated into one, and that Division is no longer under the previous Executive Director of Development.
• The IT Department added support responsibility for all County departments and offices including the Sheriff's Office (which includes the jail), County Clerk (and related election functions), partial support for the Circuit Court Clerk, KaneComm, and the State's Attorney.