Casino funds not used for salaries

An Oct. 17 Daily Herald article concerning the city of Elgin's budget deficit contained two major errors as they relate to the city of Aurora.

Elgin Mayor Ed Schock stated, "Aurora made a huge mistake (by using) its proceeds from the Hollywood Casino for (employee) salaries." Aurora has never used casino money to fund salaries. In reality, Aurora uses gaming tax revenues primarily for economic development incentives, brownfield redevelopment, grants to local not-for-profits and neighborhood improvements, such as new sidewalks and parks. I agree with Mayor Schock that using casino revenues to pay salaries would be a "huge mistake."

The article also incorrectly stated Aurora eliminated 100 positions. Earlier this year, 37 city employees opted to take a voluntary severance package. Because of growing revenue shortfall forecasts for 2009 and 2010, the city was forced to begin elimination of an additional 48 positions.

Neither Aurora nor Elgin are in unique situations. In the midst of a national recession, revenues that fund essential services are down for most cities. That means that fewer people shop, so less sales tax is collected. As unemployment rises, cities receive less income tax revenue. As property values decrease, so do property tax revenues.

Local governments still must find ways to provide services. Aurora has begun an ambitious reorganization of city government with the aim of minimally impacting the services to our residents. While we realize that those city employees who recently lost their jobs were true professionals who diligently performed their jobs every day, we also know we must meet these difficult financial challenges head-on and find ways to work more efficiently.

Although cities may have prioritized revenues differently in the past, we now must join together, sharing knowledge and resources to weather this financial storm. By working together in collaboration we will all emerge stronger.

Mayor Tom Weisner

City of Aurora