Let's get budget numbers in line

This is in response to the article written in the April 8 edition "Economy takes a toll on St. Charles budget."

First, let me just say that a proposed budget that spends more than it takes in is not a good budget. People who live in St. Charles are concerned with their town's budget. They don't really care how it compares to Geneva's or Batavia's budget.

Raising taxes or sewer, water or electric rates to have a balanced budget is one thing. Doing it and not having a balanced budget, yet spending $19 million on capital expenses like the First Street development, a new fire station, and a new intersection at Randall and Woodward Drive (in anticipation of incoming business development), is not responsible budgeting.

It's this type of mind-set that has got the economy where it is right now. I would suggest that the city of St. Charles look at presenting a balanced budget, even if they have to cut back on capital expenses -- often referred to as government's "play money."

John Cailey

St. Charles