Antioch wants more budget details

Antioch trustees have requested more information before passing the 2008-09 budget, which includes cuts in services, a drain of the village's reserve and for the first time, employee layoffs.

The drastic cuts are necessary to combat a $1.2 million deficit caused, in part, by stagnant housing and commercial development, officials said Monday.

"The board's being asked to make a decision that effects a number of employees' lives," said Trustee Robert Caulfield. "I would like to see a review of payroll salary-related expenses year to year by department before making any decisions."

Passage of the budget was tabled Monday, despite a looming deadline of July 31 for the village to approve the appropriation ordinance, which can't be done until a budget is in place.

A special committee of the whole meeting will be held June 26 to continue discussion on the budget.

The proposed $10.4 million in expenditures is less than this year's more than $11 million but still requires cuts because of a loss in revenue.

The proposed budget includes a $550,000 reduction in personnel by reducing seasonal employees, not filling the vacant special events position and laying-off four full-time and 11 part-time employees.

In addition to staffing cuts, the proposed budget takes approximately $200,000 from the reserve fund, leaving only $18,000 in the village's account.

Service reductions are also proposed, including decreased mowing in parks, less street sweeping and reduced staff hours for special events, street repairs and non-emergency law enforcement activities.

"This is the first time the village has been hit with this type of devastation," said Trustee Larry Hanson. "We have to think hard. I'm more concerned about looking at every inch of this budget and cutting fat, maybe we can spare the full-time employees at least."