Elgin begins union talks

Elgin city leaders are way beyond trimming the fat from their budget.

And after two rounds of layoffs in the past 12 months, early retirements, and cutting other expenses, one might say the 2010 spending plan will go through muscle right to the bone.

But city leaders say reductions to help close a $5.5 million budget gap will not compromise public safety.

"We will still meet our commitment to provide quality public services," City Manager Sean Stegall said. "And as it relates to police and fire, we will still meet that mandate that (residents) are safe."

Stegall, Elgin Corporation Counsel Bill Cogley and Finance Director Jim Nowicki met with fire union officials Monday afternoon to discuss the possibility trimming $1.5 million from the fire department budget.

"It's letting them know about the challenges we're facing at the city globally," Stegall said before to the meeting.

Elgin Fire Lt. John Fahy, president of the Elgin Association of Firefighters Local 439, which represents 130 firefighters, paramedics, fire lieutenants and captains, said the one-hour meeting was "amicable and informative" and that the $1.5 million figure is not set in stone.

"Every labor organization understands there are revenue shortfalls. As a union, we're not opposed to coming up with solutions to do our part to balance the budget," he said. "Any concession would be pulled off the table if the city was going to reduce the level of service (for residents)."

No follow up meeting has been set.

Stegall also has had informal discussions with the Service Employees International Union Local 73, which represents some 200-plus public works and support staff employees.

Phone messages left for the SEIU union head were not returned.

Stegall hopes to present council members with a balanced budget over the weekend in preparation for a 5 p.m. budget meeting Nov. 4 at city hall, 150 Dexter Court.

The final budget is expected to be approved in mid-December.