Carol Stream village president discusses local economy

The economy and its impact on the local budget was at the forefront of a state of the village address Wednesday by Carol Stream Village President Frank Saverino.

Despite shortfalls, he said, the village has been able to keep a balanced budget by using some of its reserves, allowing for the delay of major cuts and fee hikes.

"We're going to dig deep and try and figure out where we're going to get some extra money," Saverino said at the Carol Stream Chamber of Commerce.

The village already has received about $800,000 in federal funds for a project on Lies Road, and Saverino said he'll continue to pursue more stimulus money.

However, if the economy continues the way it has, Carol Stream could be facing some major changes.

"We've cut everything we thought we could cut in this year's budget," Village Manager Joseph Breinig said.

Saverino also highlighted some of the positives from this past year, including the installation of red light cameras at North Avenue and Kuhn Road.

He said the venture is not designed just to bring in money; it's allowed police to see videotapes of accidents that otherwise would lead to long investigations. The cameras also help save lives, he said, when people become more aware that running a red light will cost them.

Carol Stream has also become a bastion of environmental work, becoming the first town to be given an Earth Flag by the county last year.

"The village continues to champion environmental stewardship," Saverino said.

One of its other efforts includes teaming up with ComEd to fund new lighting for businesses who want to be environmentally sound.

"We have continued together to meet the challenges that face our community," Saverino said.