More employee cuts in Wauconda

Six village of Wauconda employees were laid off this week in what officials say is the beginning of an attempt to close a roughly $1 million deficit now projected in the 2010-11 budget that begins in May.

Eliminated were the building and zoning department's director, two building inspectors and an administrative assistant. Mayor Mark Knigge said a public works employee and a police department records worker also were laid off.

Knigge said the layoffs occurred over Monday and Tuesday. He said about 20 percent of Wauconda's work force has been trimmed in the past two years, leaving roughly 75 on the village payroll.

"It's very, very difficult to let people go," Knigge said Tuesday. "I feel bad about it."

Falling revenue is to blame for Wauconda's financial problems, officials said. Knigge said the six job cuts were the first in a line of budget moves that'll include having officials examine village services to determine what residents need most.

Knigge said the budget hole now forecast for the 2010-11 fiscal year beginning May 1 will be at least $1 million. He said layoffs alone won't fill the gap.

"Where we are now is we're down to the bare bones," he said.

Plans call for the Wauconda Fire Protection District to assume building inspection duties in the village. Knigge said the village already contracts with the district for fire and ambulance service. The added duties would be folded into the district's current pact.

Fire protection district board members are expected to vote at a meeting Thursday on whether the agency should take on the inspection work.

"We really don't like to let go of employees," Knigge said, "but that (fire district proposal) is an innovative way two government agencies are getting together to address a financial problem."

A reorganization of Wauconda village employees is planned to cover tasks that were handled by those laid off this week. Knigge said department heads already have been wearing multiple hats in a money-saving effort.

Wauconda announced eight employee layoffs in July 2008, with a projected savings of $450,000. An estimate of how much money will be saved by this week's dismissal of the six workers was not immediately available, officials said.

Communities throughout Lake County are facing similar issues in light of falling revenues. Municipal jobs have been cut in Hawthorn Woods, Mundelein and Waukegan, for example, and general cost-cutting in all towns has become common.