The Lake County, Illinois board this week gave preliminary approval to the county's proposed 2016 budget of $496.3 million, which is $6 million less than 2015 and balanced.
The budget reflects the county's interest in long-term planning, collaboration and adjusting spending to match current needs, county officials said.
County officials said they remain focused on operational efficiencies to save money, including sharing services such as law enforcement and building inspections. As a result, the proposed budget includes 25 fewer employees compared to the 2015 budget.
The full board will vote on the budget at its November meeting. If approved, the county's tax levy on existing properties will remain flat at 7 percent.
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