Fox Valley in 60 seconds

District 158 will not borrow

Huntley Unit District 158 will not have to take out a short-term loan to cover its expenses this year. The school board recently authorized the administration to issue up to $3 million in tax anticipation warrants, which are basically short-term, interest-bearing loans that are paid back with tax revenues. District officials feared they would not be able to cover their monthly expenses because the state is several months behind in its payments to school districts. However, enough state funding came through that the district will not have to borrow, saving an estimated $20,000 in interest and fees. The district last issued tax anticipation warrants in 2006, when it borrowed more than $5 million to cover payroll. The district routinely issued the debt to cover shortfalls before voters approved a 55-cent tax rate increase in 2004.

Cary lights program expands, gets new name

Cary officials have expanded and renamed the village's Brighter Lighting Public Safety Program after Trustee Steve Adams, who died unexpectedly last month. The program, which reimburses residents after they buy lights to help deter criminal activity on and around their property, originally included 54 homes in the Arrowhead subdivision. It will now include 557 homes bounded by Three Oaks Road to the north, Park Avenue to the south, First Street to the east and Silver Lake Road to the west. Adams was chairman of the public safety committee and active in the lights project.

Help guide Elgin's park department

Application forms are available for Elgin residents interested in becoming a part of the city's new advisory committee to help promote bicycle and pedestrian initiatives. Fill out an application at city hall, 150 Dexter Court, or at cityofelgin.org. Seven residents will be selected and appointed by the city council for 3-year terms. Because the appointments need to be staggered, however, the first three appointed members will serve three years, the second three will serve two years, and one member will serve only one year. The council also will appoint one member to serve as the committee chair. Applications must be received by Friday, June 12. For details, call Randy Reopelle at (847) 931-6127.