Elgin approves extra $20,000 for NeighborWorks events

Elgin city council members unanimously approved almost doubling the purchase of a service agreement with Elgin Community Network at the committee of the whole meeting Wednesday. ECN will serve as a fiscal agent for Neighborhood Housing Services of the Fox Valley, the organization that spearheads NeighborWorks events.

Though Elgin had already budgeted the extra $20,000 for NeighborWorks events, approving the expenditure was a visible symbol of a new trend for the city.

City Manager Sean Stegall said he hopes the extra money from the city is more than a one-time expenditure. In fact, he said he hopes it is increased in future budget cycles as city officials focus on public partnerships and volunteerism as ways to increase efficiency.

“I firmly believe it saves the city money,” Stegall said. “For that reason I would only hope it continues.”

A NeighborWorks event was held Saturday with 150 volunteers pitching in for four hours to paint and clean up 19 different houses. Homeowners are chosen for the project based on need, according to Mayor David Kaptain, who serves as executive director of ECN and as a member of the advisory council for Neighborhood Housing Services. Senior citizens take the highest priority, followed by disabled individuals and low-income residents.

The goal with the extra money for future events will be to reach more households and make more thorough repairs by hiring tradespeople to assist the volunteers.

Councilwoman Anna Moeller said Wednesday she participated in the event and supported allocating money to the project.

“Not only are we leveraging volunteer hours, but we’re also making some gains in terms of property values, which is also an economic benefit to the city,” Moeller said.

Kaptain — who abstained from the council vote Wednesday because of his conflict of interest — said NeighborWorks coordinators are still putting together a final analysis but estimate the city got $3 for every $1 it contributed to the project in neighborhood improvements.

The next NeighborWorks event is scheduled for September 25.