DuPage County passes no-thrills 2010 budget

It isn't sexy but, those behind DuPage County's 2010 budget say the ability to maintain the status quo in these hard economic times is no mean feat.

In an unanimous Tuesday vote, the county board approved Chairman Robert Schillerstrom's $451.8 million spending plan with little debate.

The new fiscal year begins Dec. 1.

The county will not increase its tax levy or make cuts to programs and services. County employees don't have to worry about layoffs or benefit reductions, but most also won't be receiving an annual pay raise. Some workers, such as sheriff deputies, may get a small bump under current employment contracts.

The budget also calls for no additional staff positions, except those that are funded through federal grants. It continues funding the 15 sheriff deputy positions added in March for initiatives to minimize jail overcrowding.

Overall, the plan marks a 6.1 percent decrease in spending from last year, with most of the savings coming from commodities and contracts. The county's cash reserves will continue to grow to about $45.6 million - a financial safety net at its highest level in more than a decade.

Schillerstrom, a Republican running for governor, said the "maintenance budget" is a success story, given the times. In fact, just two years ago, widespread layoffs and program cuts were feared in a budget plan described as "doomsday."

"This (2010) budget assumes relatively modest overall economic based growth affecting sales taxes, income tax distribution and income from housing starts and sales," Schillerstrom said. "There are no tax increases. In fact, property taxes are slightly reduced; continuing our efforts to minimize the burden on the taxpayer, especially in these difficult times."

One point of debate came Tuesday when board member Jim Healy of Naperville fought to increase the DuPage Children's Center's budget from $600,000 to $900,000. The measure passed, in a 10-to-7 vote, but not without some members voicing concern about the last-minute request. The money comes from a state-mandated fee in traffic and criminal cases, and will be set aside for possible center upgrades or a relocation.

The center, housed in the county's former transportation building in Wheaton, was formed in 1987 to provide a coordinated, multijurisdictional approach to investigate complaints of child abuse.

Some modest capital improvement projects also are included in the budget, as part of a $75 million borrowing plan, but it's all contingent on the economy.

The core projects include a new kitchen in the convalescent center, a backup generator system for the county government complex, information technology upgrades, and various road improvements to ease congestion.

Leaders also dedicated $1 million in spending for nonprofit agencies, such as to area food pantries. The commitment is similar to one made this year, which marked a 50 percent increase.