Briefs: New school fund setup

Lincolnshire-Prairie View Elementary District 103 will establish a fund balance reserve equal to 25 percent of its annual operating expenses within five years. The board agreed to establish the fund at Monday's meeting. The fund will help the district address temporary cash flow shortages, emergencies, unanticipated economic downturns and one-time opportunities. Superintendent Larry Fleming said the district is not required to form the reserve, but it is one way the district is taking accountability and showing residents how their tax dollars are being used.

New garbage hauler

Groot Industries has purchased Mundelein Disposal, the company that handled much of the Mundelein's garbage removal, village officials announced Monday. The takeover shouldn't affect customer service, Village Administrator John Lobaito said.

Village to talk finances

The Hawthorn Woods village board will discuss how to deal with a $760,000 revenue shortfall and possible ways to save money at a special meeting 7:30 tonight at village hall, 2 Lagoon Drive. The shortfall equals about $89 for each of the village's 8,500 residents. Village officials have said the problem is due to the slowdown in new home construction and a significant drop in building permits for development. The village cited the same factors in November when officials discovered a nearly $750,000 shortfall. The village made up about half that amount with budget cuts and staff layoffs of three police officers, two building department workers and three public works employees. The difference was to be made up this year by continuing those cuts.

Fireworks meeting

Fox Lake officials will host another fireworks meeting, at 6 tonight at the village hall, 66 Thillen Drive. Village officials will review the results of the test fire held last week. Anyone interested in the meeting can attend. For more information, visit the village's web site at www.foxlake.org or contact the village at (847) 587-2151.