Antioch annual review highlights struggle

The theme for the fourth annual State of Antioch presentation was "The Journey Continues."

And according to presentations by Mayor Larry Hanson and Antioch Township Supervisor Steve Smouse, the journey has been difficult.

The men highlighted the challenges and successes in local government during a Thursday breakfast meeting with about 70 members of the Antioch Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Smouse and Hanson noted the financial struggles the entities face with declining revenues.

"We're definitely having to do more with less these days, like everyone else," Smouse said. "We've had to tighten our belts."

Smouse said the township's finances are in the black for now, and plans are on track for phase two at the Tim Osmond Sports Complex. The plan includes two new ball fields, utilities and restrooms. The $700,000 improvements will be paid for with federal stimulus money, private donations and an Illinois Department of Natural Resources grant, Smouse said.

Hanson said the village has had to "adjust, adapt and move forward," during the current downturn.

"Things haven't been this bad since the 1930s," he said. "We've had to reduce expenses, cut staff and impose a utility tax in order to keep the services our residents have come to expect."

Knowing the tax on electric, natural gas and telecommunications isn't popular, Hanson said the village imposed it with regret.

"This tax was not easy to adopt. We're just like you. We know times are tough. But it would be irresponsible on our part to let things deteriorate further," he said.

It wasn't all gloomy news, however. Hanson explained the village has received a $100,000 grant from the Regional Transit Authority to study improvements in and around the downtown Metra train station.

He also highlighted beautification projects planned for high profile Main Street intersections, and the addition of the Parker Hannifin company as the first tenant at the Antioch Corporate Center business park. "We are extremely excited about this," he said.

Hanson and Smouse took a few questions from Chamber members including one about any future staff cuts. "As far as further cuts, I can't guarantee that. I can't guarantee there won't be. I hope not. I hope we are done cutting staff, I really do," Hanson said.

Some Chamber members sympathized with the situation facing village officials.

"I thought the presentation was very positive for the most part, given what's going on with the economy," said antique shop owner Charlie Lyngaas. "They need to do whatever they can to keep the village from sinking into an abyss."