Mayor says Itasca 'prudent' in tackling recession
More than 55 residents voiced concerns about transportation, technology, infrastructure and economic development this week during the annual Shape of Itasca forum.
The annual town hall meeting included about an hour of speeches by officials from every taxing body in Itasca, including Village President Jeff Pruyn, as well as time for questions from residents.
Pruyn addressed one of the major challenges facing Itasca: a $2 million deficit for last fiscal year due in part to flat property tax revenues and a $3 million decline in sales tax revenues since 2006 due to the recession.
He assured residents Itasca is on solid ground thanks to efforts by agencies such as the park district and village sharing costs for projects that affect both groups. Wage freezes for nonunion Itasca employees and cutting nonessential spending also helped.
"During the good times the village was prudent and built a comfortable rainy-day fund," Pruyn said. "This fund balance is being used to help us weather the financial storm we are experiencing."
Pruyn also highlighted other changes in the village, such as a 9 percent drop in major crimes, new environmental initiatives that include the second-annual Green Day recycling event on May 8, and the Illinois Department of Transportation project to widen Rohlwing Road from Thorndale Avenue to Army Trail Road.
Several residents expressed concerns for the Rohlwing project. It will include widening the road to four lanes with left-turn lanes, new curb, gutter and storm sewers, and installation of 6-inch medians at the intersection of Irving Park and Rohlwing.
The medians will restrict left turns from some businesses and restaurants.
"We have requested IDOT reexamine the installation of these medians due to the adverse effects they will have on businesses located at this intersection," Pruyn said.
Other topics raised by residents included red-light cameras, reduced state funding causing about $435,000 in cuts from Itasca School District 10's $11 million budget, and technology improvements like paying water bills online and TV broadcasts of village meetings.
Police Chief Scott Heher assured residents red-light cameras are not planned for Itasca. And officials also said they are discussing trying to get water bill payments online, while they admit they don't have the funds to broadcast official meetings.
District 10 Superintendent Marcia Tornatore said the district released eight staff members as part of its budget shortfall, in addition to making cuts from the technology fund, reducing bus runs, decreasing stipends for before- and after-school programs, and increasing preschool tuition.
As updated budget and enrollment figures come in for next fall, she said, it's possible district staffing could increase again.