Wheaton forum focuses on achievements, budget cuts

Wheaton's taxing bodies are all feeling the budget pinch these days.

But at the same time, work has started on some long-sought projects, students continue to excel in the schools and there will be a Fourth of July celebration next year.

Those are just some of the points made during Thursday night's State of the Community forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Wheaton.

Mayor Michael Gresk, Wheaton Warrenville Unit District 200 school board President Andy Johnson, and Wheaton Park District board President Phillip Luetkehans all talked about the accomplishments of the past year. They also said tough budgetary decisions will need to be made in the coming year.

Johnson said the school district is looking to shave $7 million from its budget. And Luetkehans said the park district will need to make cuts to avoid future financial problems.

Meanwhile, the city is facing a projected deficit of at least $1.5 million in the 2010-2011 budget.

Gresk said the council will need to find a way to reduce spending or increase revenue. He warned that some services to residents might be reduced or eliminated to help balance the budget.

Despite the gloomy budget situation, the city did accomplish one of its top goals.

Work started this week on the reconstruction of the aging bridge that carries Wesley Street over the Union Pacific Railroad tracks near downtown Wheaton. The $9.3 million project has been on the city's to-do list for years. State officials have said the bridge has a sufficiency rating of four out of a maximum possible score of 100.

The bridge will remain closed for about a year during the reconstruction. Once the work is complete, the new bridge will be wider and higher than the existing structure. It also will be strong enough for fire trucks, public works vehicles and school buses.

After spending more than two decades of planning, the park district is doing its renovation of Northside Park. With three construction stages planned over multiple years, the roughly $8 million project will address flooding, enhance recreation programs and change the landscape of the 70-acre park near Prairie Avenue and Main Street.

"I will not deny it is going to be an expensive project," Luetkehans said. "But it is one that is really important for the north side of town ... improving what is really one of the great assets in the town as far open space that we've probably let go for way too long."

In response to an audience member's question, Luetkehans announced the park district will take over the planning for next year's Fourth of July parade and fireworks display. The Wheaton Jaycees are no longer organizing the traditional event.

While the park district plans a holiday celebration, District 200 is seeking a replacement for former Superintendent Richard Drury, who resigned last month.

"That's been a difficult process to go through," Johnson said of Drury's departure. "But nonetheless we are moving forward and I know that things will work out for the best for the district in the long-run."

In the meantime, Johnson said student achievement continues to improve. He said ACT scores at Wheaton Warrenville South and Wheaton North high schools ranked in the top 5 percent statewide. And a number of the district's elementary and middle schools are highly regarded by various publications.

"So by any stretch of the imagination," he said, "our schools do very well academically."