St. Charles budget needs reviewing

This is in response to the article written in the April 8 paper titled "Economy takes a toll on St. Charles budget." First, let me just say a proposed budget that spends more than it takes in is not a "good budget." People that live in St. Charles are concerned with their town's budget. They don't really care how it compares to Geneva's or Batavia's budget. Raising taxes or sewer, water, and electric rates to have a balanced budget is one thing. Doing it and not having a balanced budget, yet spending $19 million on capital expenses like the 1st Street development, a new fire station and a new intersection at Randall and Woodward Dr. (in anticipation of incoming business development), is not responsible budgeting. It's this type of mindset that has got the economy where it is right now. I would suggest the city look at presenting a balanced budget, even if they have to cut back on capital expenses -- often referred to as governments "play money."

John Cailey

St. Charles