Suburban mayors concerned about Senate Republicans cuts

SPRINGFIELD — Suburban mayors are concerned that local governments could face big budget problems should a Senate Republican proposal to cut $300 million from cities and villages become law.

The mayors say they’ve made drastic cuts in the last three years to deal with the recession and lack of state funding. Arlington Heights has laid off 46 employees in the last three years and made cuts to the police-sponsored drug education and prevention program for middle-school children, said Mayor Arlene Mulder.

Mulder said she appreciates the Republicans offering cuts to help solve the state’s fiscal crisis, but she would like to see the cuts at the state level as opposed to the local level.

“We want to be made aware of the cuts that are being made (in Springfield). Have they streamlined?” Mulder said. “It’s critical the state and localities communicate because we have to share the pain. I understand what they have to tackle, I just hope they don’t do it on our backs.”

Arlington Heights is part of the Northwest Municipal Conference, a collection of suburban communities that has voiced objection to the GOP plan.

Michael Mondschain, director of finance and administrative services for Wheeling, said his village has cut 40 positions in the last three years. And Mondschain estimates a $300 million reduction to local governments could mean an additional $900,000 out of the Wheeling budget.

“Anytime (the legislature) starts to talk about cutting our share of state revenue we get nervous,” he said.

While the cut would hurt local governments, Palatine Sen. Matt Murphy said tough decisions need to be made and everyone who gets state money is going to be hurt to some extent.

“The reality remains we need to make substantial cuts,” Murphy said. “We’re willing to hear other ideas for how we can save money, but everyone wants to cut spending except in the area that affects them and that’s how we got here.”

Hanover Park Mayor Rod Craig said the state and local governments have an important relationship and depend on each other, which is why he will join a coalition of suburban mayors as they head to Springfield April 13th to discuss the proposed cuts.

Craig said Hanover Park has a balanced budget prepared, but it could be in jeopardy with the cuts.

“I believe our leadership understands the need to do the right thing. Grandstanding is not solving problems,” he said. “I don’t care what side of the aisle is making headlines, we expect cooperation, collaboration and consensus.”