Rockford-area county governments receive low scores on Illinois Policy Institute government online transparency audit

October 3, 2013

In the age of the internet, it’s never been easier to keep the public informed about what government is doing. But a recent audit of government websites statewide found that county-level governments are underperforming when it comes to online transparency.

Stephenson, Winnebago, Boone, Ogle and Lee counties were among the 90 out of 102 county-level governments in Illinois that failed an online transparency audit conducted by the nonpartisan Illinois Policy Institute. The Institute’s statewide audit also found that at least 12 counties appear to be violating the Open Meetings Act.

These findings are featured in a new Illinois Policy Institute report, titled “Obstructed views: Illinois’ 102 county online transparency audit.” This report is the first in the state to take a close look at how much and what type of information is readily available to the public on local government websites. Unfortunately, the report found that almost all county-level government websites are missing vital community information, such as public meeting schedules, government employee salaries and tax rates, and some are even in violation of state transparency laws.

“With Illinois’ history of corruption, all levels of government should strive to improve transparency as much as possible. Putting information online is one of the easiest and most effective ways to accomplish this,” said Brian Costin, Director of Government Reform at the nonpartisan Illinois Policy Institute. “But unfortunately, the Institute’s analysis found that too many county-level governments are falling short, including Stephenson, Winnebago, Boone, Ogle and Lee counties. We must change this. Changing Illinois’ culture of corruption starts with embracing transparency and accountability.”

Transparency scores were based on the Institute’s 10-Point Transparency Checklist. Here are some key findings from the special report:

IN THE GREATER ROCKFORD-AREA:

  • Ogle County scored 31.7 points out of a possible 100 points on the transparency audit.
  • Winnebago County scored 41.2 points out of a possible 100 points.
  • Stephenson County scored 43.2 points out of a possible 100 points.
  • Boone County scored 47.6 points out of a possible 100 points.
  • Lee County scored 48.1 points out of a possible 100 points.

STATEWIDE:

  • 22 out of 102 county-level governments in Illinois do not have websites.
  • 90 out of 102 county-level governments failed the Illinois Policy Institute’s “10-Point Transparency Checklist,” which serves as a rubric for online transparency best practices.
  • Only three counties in Illinois scored a 90 percent or higher.
  • 12 counties violated a state law, the Open Meetings Act, by failing to post a calendar, agendas prior to a meeting and minutes of meetings online.
  • 27 counties were in violation of another state law, the Freedom of Information Act, by failing to post complete instructions on how to file a FOIA request.
  • In four categories on the 10-Point Transparency Checklist (expenditures, compensation, contract and lobbying), more than 90 counties had failing grades.