Wheaton mayoral challenger admits mistake in library funding flap

The flap over the Wheaton Public Library's budget last June was less about micromanagement and more about overseeing a department that falls under the city's jurisdiction, the two mayoral candidates said Tuesday.

But challenger John Prendiville admitted he erred in his attempt to dictate hours of operation to the facility in the aftermath of a library announcement that it would close on Fridays.

“We ultimately have responsibility to the taxpayers,” he said. “That being said, I would say the library was one thing that would have been a mistake. When we funded the library, I was originally part of the movement to dictate the days of operation.”

Prendiville made the comments during a candidates forum Tuesday sponsored by the Wheaton League of Women Voters and the Wheaton Chamber of Commerce.

The forum brought together candidates for the municipal elections, including the city council, park district and mayoral races.

Candidates took turns answering questions posed by attendees.

Prendiville and Wheaton Mayor Mike Gresk, who is seeking a second term in the April 5 election, echoed past statements about their positions on several topics in Wheaton, including the old Hubble Middle School site, funding for the Wheaton Grand Theatre and issues related to flooding on the north side of town.

But when one question asked whether it was a good idea to “micromanage” the library budget, both Gresk and Prendiville disagreed with the characterization.

“The library is a department of the city,” Gresk said. “The trustees are appointed. The budget comes through the city just like the fire department, police and public works. If that's perceived as micromanagement, then we certainly can have a talk about that.”

Last summer, library officials announced budget cuts would cause them to close on Fridays. Both Gresk and Prendiville at the time backed a plan that would have the city step in and force the library to remain open.

The dilemma quickly turned heated as library officials pushed back against what they said was the city overstepping its bounds.

“Unfortunately, that situation devolved into a conflict and my stance was to back the city staff,” he said after the forum.

Last month, city officials said they would restore $200,000 and push the library's allocation from the city to about $3.3 million, which still trails last year's $3.4 million and the $3.7 million allocated two years ago. That money is expected to return the library to full service on Fridays.

Prendiville said he favors restoring even more funding if sales tax revenues continue to increase.

“It's one of the cultural icons of the city of Wheaton,” Prendiville said. “All of us are very proud of the facility.”