Winfield focusing on finances in 2010

Winfield will spend 2010 focused on improving finances, promoting its downtown and finding ways to fix roads, Village President Deborah Birutis said Tuesday during her State of the Village address.

"There will continue to be a lot of hard work ahead for us," Birutis said.

The village president told a crowd of about 40 people at the Winfield Chamber of Commerce luncheon that funding for roads is a top priority, with officials considering the possibility of a November referendum to raise money for repairs.

The state of Winfield's nearly 35 miles of roads is a concern because many are in poor to failing condition, she said.

"As we all know, the roads are in need of repair," said Birutis, adding that roughly 25 percent haven't been resurfaced in more than 20 years.

Village trustees are considering whether to ask voters to approve a pair of property tax increases.

The first ballot question would seek permission to borrow $3.3 million to resurface the most deteriorated streets. The second would ask voters to establish an ongoing street maintenance program.

A town hall meeting about the proposal is planned for 11 a.m. Feb. 27 at village hall, 27W465 Jewell Road.

In addition to trying to find more money for roads, officials are attempting to improve the village's overall finances. Birutis said the goal is to boost revenues by 5 percent a year while limiting rising costs to 3 percent annually.

One way officials hope to do that is by developing downtown.

Birutis said officials have started meeting with "property owners, stakeholders and developers" to discuss ideas. A recently created brochure promoting the downtown has been mailed to local and national developers.

Meanwhile, work is progressing on a pedestrian underpass at the Union Pacific Railroad tracks. The roughly $4 million project is expected to be completed in the fall.

Birutis said the goal is to develop the downtown area with a river walk "that we can be proud of and enjoy with our families."