Cook County commissioners approve forest preserve budget

Cook County commissioners today approved the forest preserve district budget without raising property taxes or fees.

The $195 million spending plan includes more than $10 million for land acquisition. With real estate prices low, district officials have said they want to snap up property to add to nearly 69,000 acres.

Another $5.7 million will go toward construction and development, and nearly $14 million will be used for capital improvements.

The county board doubles as the forest preserve commission. The budget passed without opposition.