How can Elgin spend $100K on a green consultant?

How can Elgin leaders justify shelling out $100,000 for a consultant to help the city become "greener" and more sustainable when the economy is in tatters and 16 city workers were laid off last year?

First off, the money comes from proceeds from the riverboat casino, which only are used for one-time costs and not for city salaries.

Second, officials believe Elgin will see a return on its investment in lower utility costs.

Mayor Ed Schock noted the city already saves money because it has replaced traffic signals with brighter, more efficient LED lights.

"You spend a little to save a lot. That's how I look at it," he said. "One of our principal goals is to be good stewards of the community."

Councilman David Kaptain said if the 37,000 households in Elgin could save $1,000 a year in utilities by being greener, that's $37 million that could be spent on the local economy.

"It's money that now leaves the community," he said.

Officials from the global firm EDAW/AECOM will work with city officials and residents in the coming months to lay the groundwork for an overall plan to help Elgin become a sustainable community. The plan will cover everything from building codes on existing and new construction to city operations.

"This is not about changing Elgin into something different," said Gregory Weykamp, principal at EDAW/AECOM. "It's about building on the strengths you have."

Schock said having a plan in place could also open the door to more federal funding.

"Having a comprehensive plan or working on one will probably give Elgin a leg up if we choose to apply for stimulus funds for a weatherization program," Schock said.