Slashing overtime, buying Des Plaines Theatre top Bogusz's priority list
Curbing overtime expenses, cutting employee insurance costs and finally taking ownership of the Des Plaines Theatre were among city priorities Mayor Matt Bogusz highlighted Thursday in his annual speech to business leaders.
Speaking to the Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce during his "Annual Address to Business," Bogusz talked broadly about reigning in overtime costs, calling it a "weakness" in the city's operation.
"Overtime is one place that we will make significant progress," he said.
Recently, the city council has scrutinized the fire department's overtime expenses, which have gone over budget for the last couple of years. Last year, firefighters amassed more than $900,000 in overtime compared to about $815,000 budgeted for the department, according to city documents.
The city wants to drastically cut the fire department's overtime costs, budgeting $523,000 in this year's spending plan.
Fire Chief Alan Wax attributed some of the cost to unfilled positions and injuries, which resulted in firefighters working overtime to maintain service. Wax said the city is discussing the issue, but there aren't specific proposals to reduce costs.
Bogusz wants to reduce health insurance costs, too. The city has been negotiating with two police unions on new collective bargaining agreements that could eliminate a low-deductible plan. The city has eliminated health insurance plans with a $100 deductible for other unions.
As for the Des Plaines Theatre, Bogusz had no announcement Thursday, as the city closes in on buying the shuttered building considered a linchpin to revitalizing the downtown. But he promised that a change in ownership is coming soon.
"2018 will be a tipping point where we take an opportunity on our downtown theater and act on it," Bogusz said.
The city wants to buy the theater - with the help of a $2 million pledge from Rivers Casino - and hire a company to book shows.
The city council authorized city officials to forcibly acquire the theater through eminent domain proceedings, though negotiations with the owner, Dhitu Bhagwakar, are ongoing.
Bogusz also touted the city's financial position. While keeping the tax levy flat for seven years, the city has reduced its debt by more than $50 million since 2009 and increased spending on infrastructure upgrades, he said.
In the private sector, Bogusz said sales tax growth, property values and private investment in the city have all increased faster than other communities in the area.
"In every measurable way, we are outpacing our competition," Bogusz said.