Rare veto stalls Hawthorn Woods administrator

Since he is running without an opponent, Joe Mancino is a virtual lock to become the next mayor of Hawthorn Woods.

But weeks before the election, Mancino says he already is grappling with financial obstacles and seeking alternatives.

"It's a daunting task. I'm fortunate I've been engaged in these issues for a year now."

For Mancino, the chief issue is hiring a village administrator, a spot that has been vacant since February.

But a rare move by outgoing Mayor Keith Hunt has stalled that plan. In a line-item budget veto, Hunt reallocated funds for hiring an administrator to shore up the police budget and complete the final year of village road work.

The village recently lost an arbitration case with the police union and must pay salary increases plus back pay. Nonunion salaries also grew to be more equitable. Hunt estimated the village cost at $75,000 to $100,000.

"As a result of this arbitration, three of the four members of the union were going to make more money every year than everyone else but the chief," he said.

The seven-year program to repave most of the village roads, paid partly by a special tax, is underfunded. Hunt said there is a shortage because a previous administrator for two years did not transfer village funds as required.

"I think we're looking at (hiring) an administrator at the earliest 2010," he said. "I maintain that it is significantly slow that we don't need to have one right now. It's not the highest priority."

Mancino disagreed.

"I think handcuffing this administration without a village administrator is reckless," he said. "There are several stalled projects I feel require the type of administrator with the type of civic experience to deal with those types of things."

Mancino cited the lack of water and sewer service to the Midlothian Road corridor as an example. He said $3.5 million was collected from a special tax to build the system, but the village hasn't secured the county permits to do so.

He said mending relations with the county is also a priority. He said the county has targeted federal stimulus funds for the Glennshire water system, but a lawsuit brought by residents has stalled any action.

However, Hunt argued there is no fat in the budget.

"If you want an administrator then you need to fire a cop because you can't afford to pay the arbitration award," he said.

Hunt added the assistant village administrator and two board members are handling those duties. He also contended not having an administrator has helped the board.

"It's given them a much deeper understanding of what's going on," he said.

Mancino stressed those and other matters merit full-time attention, and added he is considering options for hiring an administrator but didn't provide details.

The veto has to stand for 30 days without being challenged before it goes into effect. The village board is scheduled to decide whether to accept or overturn it April 20.