by Lori Curtis Luther, Peoria County Administrator

Thanksgiving Day marks my 100th day as Peoria County’s Administrator. Reflecting on the past 100 days, I certainly have much to be thankful for since August 16, 2011.

First, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the County Board, other elected officials, my staff, and the community at large for extending such a warm welcome to my family and me. Peoria County truly is exceptional in this regard. The people I have met in the short time I have been in Central Illinois have affirmed we made the right decision this August and my husband and I are looking forward to raising our family here.

One of my first tasks, and perhaps the most significant for a county administrator, was to develop the 2012 Budget. I am very proud to have been able to partner with elected officials and department supervisors to produce a budget that is in the best interest of the citizens we serve. In a challenging economy with shrinking income, we were able to avoid layoffs, maintain our lowest tax rate in a decade, and hold our operating expenses to just .47% over the 2011 Adopted Budget. We are all thankful for this accomplishment!

Another achievement I believe crucial to our success is the ability to maximize efficiency by streamlining the organizational structure. The conversion of existing positions to Assistant County Administrator positions will allow me and my staff to better focus our energy, efforts, and resources on strategic goals and departmental responsibilities. Time previously spent managing 15 direct reports can now be spent solving larger issues and planning for our high performing future.

Lastly, I think it is important to note the progress we have made with our economic development initiative. Much needed revisions have been made to the County’s Government Assistance Program (GAP) Loan guidelines, and new micro and macro loan programs are being developed to address missing links in local financial assistance opportunities. These important initiatives reflect the Board’s commitment to growing the county and, once approved in early 2012, will prove useful tools for retaining and attracting business to our community.

It is amazing how quickly 100 days go by and now the holidays are already upon us. I anticipate the next 100 days will be as productive as these first have been and I look forward to spending additional time with individual Board members over the next several months. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any concerns you may have or ideas you wish to share.

Thank you for making these last few months so enjoyable for me.