Fox Valley briefs

Census gives boost to Huntley

Huntley will receive more state aid and may qualify for home rule status now that it officially has more than 25,000 residents. The village's latest census, conducted late last year, estimates Huntley's population at 25,525. Village officials hope to start receiving an additional $817,000 in state aid starting in June. Home rule status would give Huntley the ability to impose additional taxes. But under current state law, the village cannot qualify as a home rule municipality unless it conducts a full census, which will not take place until 2010. A bill awaiting Gov. Pat Quinn's signature would allow Huntley and other towns with more than 25,000 residents to become home rule without a full census, Village Manager Dave Johnson said.

Airport shuttle stops July 31

Van Galder Bus Co. is discontinuing shuttle service from Elgin, McHenry and Crystal Lake to O'Hare International Airport on July 31. The nine daily shuttles depart from various hotels in those cities and shuttle passengers to and from O'Hare. Declines in ridership in early 2009 resulted in the decision to discontinue the routes, officials said. Service began in 2003. The change affects approximately 2,500 monthly commuters, but is not expected to result in layoffs of any employees at the company, Van Galder officials said. Passengers may call (800) 747-0994 for details.

District 158 staffer moves on

One of Huntley Unit District 158's top financial staffers is leaving the district. T. Ferrier, director of fiscal services, has accepted a job as director of finance and operations for Cary Elementary School District 26. During her time in District 158, Ferrier oversaw payroll, purchasing, accounts payable and accounts receivable and helped implement stricter accounting standards. Comptroller Mark Altmayer has begun reviewing resumes and will soon begin interviewing candidates. The district estimates it has received almost 200 applications for the post.