Illinois Policy Institute gives Boone County’s website a very low score—an “F”?

Boone County scores a 38.1% on Local Transparency Audit

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Transparency Grading Rubric

Illinois Policy Institute's Local Transparency Project Grading Rubric A - 90% and Above B - between 80% and 89.99% C - between 70% and 79.99% D - between 60% and 69.99% F - 59.99% and lower Out of a possible 100 points. 1. Elected & Administrative Officials (10 points) Sub Category: Elected Officials (4 points) 1 point for name of elected officials 1.5 points for email or web form to contact elected officials 1.5 points for phone number to contact elected officials Sub Category: Senior Elected Official (1 point) .25 point for name of elected official .375 point for email or web form of elected official .375 point for phone number of elected official Sub Category: Administrators (4 points) 1 point for names of administrators in each department 1.5 points for email or web form to contact administrators 1.5 points for phone number to administrators Sub Category Senior Administrator: (1 point) .25 point for name of senior administrator .375 point for email or web form of senior administrator .375 point for phone number of senior administrator 2. Meeting Information (10 points) Sub Category: Future Meeting Calendar (2.5 points) At least 1 year on regular dates Sub Category: Meeting Agendas (2.5 points) Is the next meeting’s agenda online or do they regularly post agenda’s online prior to meetings? Sub Category: Meeting Board Packets (2.5 points) .5 point per each of last 5 years online. Only 70% credit if documents are not searchable Sub Category: Meeting Minutes (2.5 points) .5 point per each of last 5 years online. Only 70% credit if documents are not searchable 3. Freedom of Information Act (10 Points) Sub Category: Freedom of Information Act Page (7 points) 1 point for address to submit FOIA 1.5 points for phone number 1.5 points for email or web form 1.5 point for FOIA process response time 1.5 points for fee disclosure Sub Category: FOIA Officer (3 points) 1 point for name 1 point for phone number 1 point for email or web form 4. Budgets (10 Points) 2 points for each year of last 5 years budget (detailed budget-no summary) Only 70% credit if document isn’t searchable 5. Financial Audits (10 Points) 2 points for each of the last 5 years of comprehensive financial audit Only 70% credit if document isn’t searchable 6. Expenditures (10 Points) Sub Category: 3rd Party Individual Expenditures/Check Register (5 points) 1 point for each of the last 5 years Only 50% credit if document isn't on own page (in board packet). Only 70% credit if document isn’t searchable Sub Category: 3rd Party Annual Expenditures (5 points) 1 point for each of the last 5 years Only 70% credit if document isn’t searchable 7. Salary & Benefits (10 Points) Sub Category: Individual Employee Salary Compensation (5 points) 1 point for each of the last 5 years Only 50% credit if it only includes ranges or salary bands Only 70% credit if document isn’t searchable Sub Category: Individual Employee Benefit Compensation (5 points) 1 point for each of the last 5 years Only 50% credit if it only includes ranges or salary bands Only 70% credit if document isn’t searchable 8. Contracts (10 Points) Sub Category: Current Requests of Bids & Proposals, Over $25,000 (2.5 points) 1.5 points for listing of open bids & proposals 1 point for instructions on where & how to submit a bid or proposal Sub Category: Approved Vendor Contracts, Over $25,000 (2.5 points) .5 points for each of the last 5 years in contracts Only 70% credit if document isn’t searchable Sub Category: EmployeeContracts (5 points) 1 point per each of the last 5 years for all employee or union contracts. If no contracts, then an employee handbook or similar document detailing wages, benefits, vacation, sick, leave policies, etc. is accepted. Only 70% credit if document isn’t searchable 9. Lobbying (10 Points) Must disclose value and purpose of each contract Must disclose any membership organizations they belong to that also engages in lobbying 2 points for each of the last 5 years 10. Taxes (10 Points) Must disclose the tax rate for all major revenue sources (property, income, sales, etc.) on one central page Must disclose all revenue sources Must disclose all fees (fee schedule)

Here is some background material regarding the non-profit, Illinois Policy Institute.  Its website is:  http://www.illinoispolicy.org/content/?section=504

The Illinois Policy Institute's Ten-Point Transparency Checklist, Rationale, and Examples.

1. Elected & Administrative Officials: Contact Information
2. Meeting Information: Calendar (Future) Minutes & Board Packets (Past)
3. Public records: FOIA submission & FOIA Officer Contact Information
4. Budgets: General Fund and Special Projects
5. Financial Audits: Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports
6. Expenditures: Checkbook Register and Credit Card Receipts
7. Salary & Benefits: Wages, Salary, Overtime, Health, Dental, Life, Pension, etc.
8. Contracts: Union, Private Contractors, Vendors
9. Lobbying: Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying Associations
10. Taxes & Fees: Sales, Property, Income, and Miscellaneous Taxes, fees on residents & businesses

Best overall website is the Village of Orland Park's, who scored a full 100% on the Illinois Policy Institute's Local Transparency Project.
1. Elected & Administrative Officials: The website should include contact information (Phone & E-Mail) of all elected officials, the top administrator, and the head administrator for each department.

Rationale: Officials are elected to represent their constituents. In order to do so effectively they should be engaged in regular dialogue and be as accessible as possibly by providing a variety of ways to be contacted.
Administrative staffs are knowledgeable resources, provide constituent services and often enforce ordinances. Because of these roles it is imperative for them to be available to constituents by providing contact information to the heads of each department and not just general information.

Example: Elected Officials Village of Streamwood
Example: Administrators Village of Streamwood

2. Meeting Information: Calendar/Agendas (Future), Minutes & Board Packets (Past). (Prior 5-years)
Websites should include notices about public meetings of its governing board, and minutes of past meetings. Websites should have meeting agendas for future and/or past meetings, and board packets so citizens and elected officials have equal access to the information used to make legislative decisions.

Rationale: Citizens should have the knowledge of when an elective body meets and what issues they will be voting on so they can be an informed and engaged in the democratic process. Meetings are one of the few ways the public can engage in true dialogue with representatives. Given the reality of busy schedules, governments should offer an alternative to meeting attendance by posting meetings, agendas, board packets, locations and minutes on their website.

Example: Calendar Village of Hoffman Estates
Example: Agendas & Minutes Village of Hanover Park
Example: Board Packets City of Rolling Meadows

3. Public records: FOIA submission & FOIA Officer Contact Information
Rationale: While a website with comprehensive transparency will cut down substantially on Freedom of Information Act, FOIA requests provides an important means through which the public can obtain information regarding the activities of government agencies. Governments are required by law to respond to FOIA requests. A public body that maintains a website is required by state law to post its FOIA process and FOIA Officer information prominently on its website per (5 ILCS 140/4) (from Ch. 116, par. 204).

Example: DuPage County FOIA Submission & FOIA Officer Contact
4. Budgets: The website should include the current-year budget and the budget for the prior 4 years. (5-years total)

Rationale: Budgets show the big picture of what goals and priorities the government established for the year and prior years. Budgets details also serve as a way for taxpayers determine how the government performed in relation to past years.

Example: Village of Hoffman Estates

5. Financial Audits: The website should include regular audit information for the past 5-years, specifically the comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR) for the agency’s total performance. Additionally, websites should include special project report results (such as TIF districts and special construction projects), audit schedules and performance audits for government programs. (Prior 5-years)

Rationale: While budgets give the big picture to constituents, an audit reveals how well the government performs on their goals. An audit reveals how closely elected officials kept their promises, and enable constituents to hold them accountable.

Example: Village of Schaumburg

6. Expenditures: The website should include a Checkbook Register and Credit Card expenditures to all individuals and third-party vendors. (Prior 5-years)
Rationale: Having access to a checkbook register, or bill list, provides timely and pertinent information about government operations to the citizens and taxpayers. Often such bill lists are voted upon by elected officials and citizens should have access to the same information as its leaders. Having expenditure information online deters waste and abuse by government employees, and increases the chances of rectifying problems once they occur.
Example: Year-End Expenditures Village of Schaumburg (Treasurer’s Report)
Example: Checkbook Register DuPage County
7. Salary & Benefits: The website should contain compensation information for each individual employee including Wages, Salary, Overtime, Health, Dental, Life, Pension, etc. (Prior 5-years)
Rationale: Salaries & benefits is the biggest expense area for most bodies of government. Government employees work for the citizens & taxpayers. Citizens should have a right to know how much in compensation they are paying each of their employees as well as knowing the number of employees each body of government has.
Example: Village of Hoffman Estates
8. Contracts: The website should include rules governing contracts posted online for the last 5-years; including bids and contracts for purchases over $25,000 and the vendor's campaign contributions posted with contract. Labor agreements with all employee groups. (Prior 5-years)

Rationale: Contracts should be available for review so the people can evaluate if the contract was a no bid replacement and/or if the government chose the best solution for its constituents.

Example: Village of Schaumburg

9. Lobbying: If the unit of government belongs to any taxpayer-funded lobbying associations that it helps to fund by paying association or membership dues, that information should be disclosed on the government unit's website. Additionally, if any unit of government directly contracts with a lobbying firm that should be disclosed on a website as well. (Prior 5-years)

Rationale: Almost all government entities have lobbyists on retainer or are members of an association that lobbies on their behalf. This information should be disclosed to constituents, so they can make sure what is being lobbied benefits the community.

Example: Anderson County, SC

10. Taxes & Fees: Websites should include detailed information for any type of tax or fee that it levies including sales, property, income, and miscellaneous taxes, fees on residents & businesses. A comprehensive fee schedule detailing all taxes is preferred. The information should be easy to find.
Rationale: Citizens should have ready access to tax & fee information. Not only is it important for citizens to know the costs of government, readily available information helps increase collection rates.
Example: Village of Orland Park (Category 10)
If you’re an elected official or government administrator contact Brian Costin at bcostin@illinoispolicy.org for more information on how to earn a perfect 100% score on our transparency audit.

*The Illinois Policy Institute's 10-Point Transparency Checklist was created in consultation with Sunshine Review.

Transparency Grading Rubric

Illinois Policy Institute's Local Transparency Project Grading Rubric A - 90% and Above B - between 80% and 89.99% C - between 70% and 79.99% D - between 60% and 69.99% F - 59.99% and lower Out of a possible 100 points. 1. Elected & Administrative Officials (10 points) Sub Category: Elected Officials (4 points) 1 point for name of elected officials 1.5 points for email or web form to contact elected officials 1.5 points for phone number to contact elected officials Sub Category: Senior Elected Official (1 point) .25 point for name of elected official .375 point for email or web form of elected official .375 point for phone number of elected official Sub Category: Administrators (4 points) 1 point for names of administrators in each department 1.5 points for email or web form to contact administrators 1.5 points for phone number to administrators Sub Category Senior Administrator: (1 point) .25 point for name of senior administrator .375 point for email or web form of senior administrator .375 point for phone number of senior administrator 2. Meeting Information (10 points) Sub Category: Future Meeting Calendar (2.5 points) At least 1 year on regular dates Sub Category: Meeting Agendas (2.5 points) Is the next meeting’s agenda online or do they regularly post agenda’s online prior to meetings? Sub Category: Meeting Board Packets (2.5 points) .5 point per each of last 5 years online. Only 70% credit if documents are not searchable Sub Category: Meeting Minutes (2.5 points) .5 point per each of last 5 years online. Only 70% credit if documents are not searchable 3. Freedom of Information Act (10 Points) Sub Category: Freedom of Information Act Page (7 points) 1 point for address to submit FOIA 1.5 points for phone number 1.5 points for email or web form 1.5 point for FOIA process response time 1.5 points for fee disclosure Sub Category: FOIA Officer (3 points) 1 point for name 1 point for phone number 1 point for email or web form 4. Budgets (10 Points) 2 points for each year of last 5 years budget (detailed budget-no summary) Only 70% credit if document isn’t searchable 5. Financial Audits (10 Points) 2 points for each of the last 5 years of comprehensive financial audit Only 70% credit if document isn’t searchable 6. Expenditures (10 Points) Sub Category: 3rd Party Individual Expenditures/Check Register (5 points) 1 point for each of the last 5 years Only 50% credit if document isn't on own page (in board packet). Only 70% credit if document isn’t searchable Sub Category: 3rd Party Annual Expenditures (5 points) 1 point for each of the last 5 years Only 70% credit if document isn’t searchable 7. Salary & Benefits (10 Points) Sub Category: Individual Employee Salary Compensation (5 points) 1 point for each of the last 5 years Only 50% credit if it only includes ranges or salary bands Only 70% credit if document isn’t searchable Sub Category: Individual Employee Benefit Compensation (5 points) 1 point for each of the last 5 years Only 50% credit if it only includes ranges or salary bands Only 70% credit if document isn’t searchable 8. Contracts (10 Points) Sub Category: Current Requests of Bids & Proposals, Over $25,000 (2.5 points) 1.5 points for listing of open bids & proposals 1 point for instructions on where & how to submit a bid or proposal Sub Category: Approved Vendor Contracts, Over $25,000 (2.5 points) .5 points for each of the last 5 years in contracts Only 70% credit if document isn’t searchable Sub Category: EmployeeContracts (5 points) 1 point per each of the last 5 years for all employee or union contracts. If no contracts, then an employee handbook or similar document detailing wages, benefits, vacation, sick, leave policies, etc. is accepted. Only 70% credit if document isn’t searchable 9. Lobbying (10 Points) Must disclose value and purpose of each contract Must disclose any membership organizations they belong to that also engages in lobbying 2 points for each of the last 5 years 10. Taxes (10 Points) Must disclose the tax rate for all major revenue sources (property, income, sales, etc.) on one central page Must disclose all revenue sources Must disclose all fees (fee schedule) IPI’s Recommendations for improving a Local Transparency Project score. (Via Local Transparency Project Grading Ruberic)Elected & Administrative Officials: Include name, phone and email of all elected officials and senior administrators. Meeting Information: Include a calendar and agendas for future meetings. It should also have minutes and board packets for the past 5 years. Public records: Include the address, phone number, and an email or web form to submitting a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. The website should disclose fees and the regular response time requirements, as well as the FOIA officer(s) name, email and contact Information. Budgets: Include a full, searchable budget for each of the past 5-years. Financial Audits: Include a comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR) in searchable format for each of the past 5-years. Expenditures: Include a checkbook register and all credit card expenditures to all individuals and third-party vendors for each of the past 5-years. It should also include an annual report totaling all expenditures per individual and vendor for each of the past 5-years. Salary & Benefits: Include comprehensive compensation information for each individual employee including wages, salary, overtime, health, dental, life insurance, pension, and all other compensation for each of the past 5-years. Contracts: Include a searchable list all open bids and request for proposals, and list instructions on where and how to submit a bid. The website should include all contracts valued over $25,000 for the last 5-years. The website should also include all employee or union contracts covering the past 5-years. Lobbying: Include a disclosure of membership in any taxpayer-funded associations who lobby, and any contracts with lobbying firms for the prior 5-years. Taxes & Fees: Include detailed information for any type of tax or fee it levies including; sales, property, income, and miscellaneous taxes, fees on residents and businesses. A comprehensive fee schedule detailing all taxes is preferred. We urge you to reach out to the Illinois Policy Institute prior to May 10, 2012. We are dedicated to assisting public administrators and elected officials to improve proactive online transparency via the Local Transparency Project and the 10-Point Transparency Checklist. More about the IPI:  Is the Institute part of the government? No. The Institute is an independent organization that does not accept government funding of any kind. What is the Institute’s political affiliation? The Illinois Policy Institute is independent and not affiliated with any political party. People often ask whether the Institute is conservative, libertarian, or whether it falls under some other political label. Labels can sometimes provide helpful shorthand to make it easier for strangers to become better acquainted, but they also can be inaccurate or miss the bigger picture. The Illinois Policy Institute is dedicated to promoting the principles of liberty in all levels of government. While “liberty” can be interpreted in many ways and applied to many different arenas, we focus specifically on economic liberty and free market principles. We work with anyone who supports our values on a particular issue, regardless of political or ideological affinity, including Democrats, Republicans and independents. Are you an independent organization? Yes. The Institute is an independent organization where principles always come first. Like most non-profits, our work is answerable to a Board of Directors entrusted with advancing our mission. What issues have you had bi-partisan success with? School choice, government transparency and fiscal responsibility – to name just a few. Click here to read an expanded list of Institute achievements that engaged people from across the political spectrum. Does the Institute engage in “social” issues? No, the Institute focuses on economic liberty and free market principles. Do you lobby government? The Institute is primarily a research and educational organization. We do make judicious use of a provision within federal law that allows organizations like ours to promote good ideas to decision makers on a limited basis. Illinois law requires Institute staff who engage and educate elected officials to be registered lobbyists, and we comply with that requirement. What services do you provide to elected officials? Our policy and outreach staff can help policy makers: Explain why free markets allow people to flourish and prosper, producing more dynamic economies, greater political liberty and better health and living standards for all citizens (particularly the poor and disadvantaged). Develop responsible and pioneering policy solutions to pressing problems. Speak to a constituent group, like a local Chamber of Commerce or Kiwanis club, about important policy issues and recent developments. Does the Institute endorse candidates? No. The Institute does not endorse candidates or donate to political parties. We’re thrilled, however, when they adopt our policy positions and advance good ideas that will lead to a better Illinois. Who funds the Institute? The Institute is funded by the voluntary contributions of thousands of committed supporters from across the state who share our belief in free markets, free people and our vision for a more prosperous Illinois. We do not accept government grants of any kind or union funding. We welcome support from a broad range of individuals, businesses and charitable foundations that share our values and are willing to support our work for a better, brighter Illinois. All donations are tax deductible. Because the Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization, our supporters’ names are kept private, although donors are free to share their reasons for supporting our efforts. What is the Institute’s annual budget? The Institute’s 2010 budget was $1.8 million, which was invested in our innovative policy centers, legislator education, activist outreach and informative events. You can help make sure our future impact is bigger and better by making a tax-deductible contribution today. How many staff does the Institute have? Where are your offices? The Institute has more than a dozen hard-working staffers based out of offices in Chicago and in the state’s capital, Springfield. We host events around the state on a regular basis. Our Senior Fellows, Academic Advisory Board, and interns also help promote the Institute’s mission. What is a “Liberty Leader”? For democracy to work citizens need to be engaged and involved. Our more than 1,000 Liberty Leaders – community organizers – work with state and local governments to bring good policy ideas to life. By writing letters to their newspapers, blogging, attending events, and auditing regional bodies of government, they are making Illinois a better place to live and work. Become a Liberty Leader today!

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