DuPage midyear revenue down by $6.2 million

Though DuPage County officials remained optimistic about projected revenue figures this year, sales tax and state payments are down by $6.2 million at the year's midpoint.

Officials blame tardy state income tax payments to the county and less-than-anticipated sales tax revenue for the shortfall.

State overdue payments are as late as December 2009, resulting in a shortfall of $3.7 million. Sales tax revenue is down 7.7 percent, or $3 million, as well. County finance officials were anticipating a 9 percent bump in sales tax revenue compared to last year, but now have revised that increase to a more modest 1 percent spike by the end of the year.

DuPage County Chief Financial Officer Fred Backfield could not explain a $1.2 million shortfall in April's sales taxes. He also could not explain why it does not match the national trend that shows an uptick in sales tax receipts.

County board Chairman Bob Shillerstrom said he does not expect to receive the money from the state until 2011. In terms of spending, the county remains on target and has matched the amount allocated so far.

Backfield said he still expects the budget to be balanced by the time the fiscal year ends in November.

Schillerstrom said he's concerned about the current financial picture.

"The good thing is that we have substantial cash reserves," he said, referring to the county's $27.5 million cash balance.

If the budget does not even out, Schillerstrom said capital improvements may be postponed until next year, set aside for a pay-as-you-go program or the county may borrow to finish its list of major improvements. The board will review the county's financial climate around early August and decide how to proceed by September.

The county's capital improvement plan includes proposals for a new $6 million kitchen for the convalescent center, $11.7 million for backup generators to power the entire county government complex in Wheaton during blackouts and five major road projects totaling $47 million.