1 Lake County forest official says budget isn't lean enough

Proponents of the Lake County Forest Preserve District's new $156.5 million budget say the spending plan is balanced, fiscally conservative and reflective of the weak economy.

But one critic, Republican Commissioner Diana O'Kelly of Mundelein, said the budget isn't lean enough and expressed concern about the impact dropping property values will have on the district's revenues.

O'Kelly was among the six commissioners who voted against the proposal Tuesday. Fifteen board members favored it, more than enough for it to pass.

The budget is about 6 percent greater than the roughly $147 million plan for the 2010 fiscal year, which ends June 30.

District planners have been trying to cut costs for 18 months, district Executive Director Tom Hahn said, and every department was involved in planning discussions.

Officials cut projected costs in several ways, including a salary freeze for all nonunion employees, a 14-percent reduction in travel and training and reducing mailing and postage purchases, officials said.

"This is a good budget that reflects the current economic conditions," Hahn said.

The cost-cutting measures resulted in a $31.9 million operating budget, down $202,000 from the current year's operating plan, said Bonnie McLeod, the district's finance director. The operating budget includes money for grounds maintenance, land development, golf-course operations, public safety and other areas, McLeod explained.

But O'Kelly insisted deeper spending cuts are needed. She believes declining property values will have a greater impact on tax revenues than others anticipate.

She's also worried the district's tax rate soon will reach its legal cap, which could prevent officials from gathering more money to cover costs.

Highland Park Democrat Anne Flanigan Bassi voted against the budget, too. She was concerned the district's five-year plan doesn't include funding for the construction of a long-stalled golf course at the Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve in her city. A community advisory committee is trying to develop a new plan for the site, she said, and money will be needed if it moves forward.

The budget can be viewed on the forest district's website, lcfpd.org.