Carpentersville approves budget; priorities are roads, repairs
Road and infrastructure repairs remain atop Carpentersville's priority list as the village prepares for the upcoming fiscal year.
Board members this week unanimously approved a budget totaling just over $50 million -- about $3 million more than the 2007-08 figure.
The spending plan is effective May 1, 2008, to April 30, 2009.
More than $14 million of that money will pay for capital improvements including street and sidewalk repairs and replacement of the village's aging water and sewer system.
"In recent memory, this is probably the most we have spent on capital improvements in one year," said Village Manager Craig Anderson, who noted the village is moving into the third year of its aggressive infrastructure-repair plan.
The village has repaired or replaced numerous east-side streets and sidewalks since the plan started in the summer of 2005.
That progress is likely to continue as revenue from developer-permit fees will contribute about $330,000 to the village's capital equipment fund to purchase machinery such as asphalt pavers.
To pay down future debt services for capital improvements, Finance Director Lisa Happ told trustees the village has allocated revenue from the newly adopted motor-fuel tax, which goes into effect May 1.
From that date, motorists who gas up in the village will pay an extra 2 cents per gallon. The tax is expected to raise about $250,000.
One blemish on the village's budget is a projected shortfall in the village's water and sewer fund.
About $446,000 was used to make up the deficit, and Anderson said the village would likely consider a water and sewer rate increase -- the third hike in about 18 months.
"We need to sell more water, which is unlikely to happen," Anderson said. "We can cut expenses or raise more revenue, or do both."
The village's audit and finance commission at its meeting Tuesday is expected to discuss options to finance future capital improvement projects.
Anderson said plans include the street program, public-works facility design and the replacement of Fire Station 2 on Lake Marian Road.