Elgin budget set for OK despite fire questions

Elgin leaders on Wednesday are expected to OK their $277 million spending plan for 2010.

On paper, it is balanced; but in reality, city leaders still must cut $1.5 million from the fire department's budget.

City official and fire department leaders say the lack of a firm plan right now is not necessarily an impasse.

"The need (to cut $1.5 million) certainly will be in place. The method on how to do it will be determined," said City Manager Sean Stegall.

He added that spending in the fire department and other areas of the city is part of a five-year plan and city leaders signing off on the budget won't give either side more leverage.

"The budget being adopted doesn't create this giant wall that closes or shuts," Stegall said.

The city has had three rounds of layoffs, cut back on some services, and raised fees and fines, and started a business licensing program to help balance the budget.

Fire Chief John Henrici said the department has done what it can to cut costs, such as eliminating overtime for community fire safety training and getting oil changes on vehicles every 5,000 miles instead of every 3,000 miles.

Two other areas the department is exploring deal with increasing revenues: upping fire inspection fees and monitoring alarm systems for local businesses.

In the latter area, the fire department would charge a fee to monitor the fire alarm system for local firms, similar to ones charged by a private company, such as ADT or Wells Fargo.

"The budget numbers that are presented are a balanced budget and that's what we're going to have to live with," Henrici said. "If we're short of money, something will have to be cut."

He also said the city is looking for concessions from the fire union.

The four-year union contract expires at the end of 2010.

Elgin Fire Lt. John Fahy, president of the Elgin Association of Firefighters Local 439, which represents 130 firefighters, paramedics, fire lieutenants and captains, said attorneys from both sides have been exchanging ideas but the two sides have not met face to face since October.

"The budget's a fluid document and it's going to be reviewed throughout the year," Fahy said. "Everything is based on (revenue) assumptions. We're in unprecedented times right now. Layoffs have not been part of the discussion yet because we are already undermanned by 12 people."

The city council meets at 7 p.m. at city hall, 150 Dexter Court.