Summary as Introduced
Amends the Counties Code. Provides that the lease of real estate is permitted when a vacant property, structure, or facility owned by the county can be used in the interest of the public or for the benefit and enjoyment of residents of the county.
Staff Analysis
The bill amends the Counties Code to provide that the lease of real estate is permitted when a vacant property, structure, or facility owned by the county can be used in the interest of the public or for the benefit and enjoyment of county residents. This legislation originated with Kane County and applies to any county seeking to use the expanded leasing authority.
Senate Amendment 1 makes the expanded leasing authority contingent on a three-fourths vote of the full county board and limits the term of the lease to not more than 99 years. The amendment also removes the requirement that a property to be leased must be vacant and inserts a provision that the expanded leasing authority is also permitted for properties acquired by a county.
As introduced, the legislation is opposed by the Edgar County Watchdogs. AFSCME has also indicated concern about the status of unionized employees working on property to be leased by a county.