Hard work is ahead for Streamwood

Streamwood Finance Director David Richardson called compiling the 2010 budget the most challenging budget he's worked with in his 25 years in finance. However, next year might be even more difficult.

"Our hard work is ahead of us," he said.

Streamwood hasn't reduced any full-time personnel, a familiar sight in many Northwest Suburban communities. The village has left eight posts vacant as a result of the sagging economy.

Before the village board adopted the 2010 budget on Thursday night, Village President Billie Roth swore in three new firefighters and three new police officers, while also promoting an officer to lieutenant. Those new hires will replace public safety officers who have left their departments, keeping staffing levels the same.

Roth said she's proud of her staff for managing to put together a budget without personnel cuts. The village could have allowed the property tax to decrease slightly, giving taxpayers a break. However, Roth said "most of her board" elected to maintain the levy so the village would have additional money next year in case the economy doesn't turn around. That would aid in avoiding layoffs.

The tax levy adopted Thursday increased the property bill for the average homeowner in Streamwood to about $11 next year. While officials touted that's the same level as it was in 2007, it's still a 3.4 percent increase versus the previous year. The budget adopted Thursday also features $39.5 million in proposed spending, which represents a 6.4 percent drop in expenditures compared to last year.

The only trustee to vote against adopting the budget and tax levy was Jason Speer. Speer maintained that he preferred to see the levy drop, passing the savings on to residents. He said the village should use its rainy day fund to cover any unexpected expenses.

The village board also is considering raising fines for parking to raise money. The current fines are $15 if paid within 10 days, $25 from 11 to 45 days and $50 after 45 days. The proposal would increase fines to $25 if paid within 10 days and $40 from 11 to 45 days. Fines paid after 45 days would remain at $50.

The last time the fines were changed was in 1997. Village Manager Gary O'Rourke said the increases would provide the village with moderate income and keep Streamwood in line with parking fines administered in surrounding towns.