Economy weighs heavily on budget plan
On the eve of passing next year's spending plan, DuPage Board Chairman Robert Schillerstrom on Monday suggested last-minute adjustments to boost prosecutor pay and settle other lingering issues without going over budget.
Schillerstrom first proposed his estimated $463 million spending plan in September. In a nearly one-hour workshop meeting, he suggested cutting in half the proposed $12 million he originally wanted to set aside for capital projects as part of his ambitious DuPage 2013 plan.
DuPage 2013 calls for the county to spend $160 million on road projects, $42 million on facility improvements and $15 million on information technology upgrades in a five-year period.
Though Schillerstrom said he thinks it's crucial to invest in the economy to help bolster jobs and consumer confidence, he offered to cut the $12 million in half to offset falling sales tax revenues and address some new concerns.
Specifically, DuPage County State's Attorney Joseph Birkett had lobbied for 11-percent raises for his prosecutors, who he said are paid far less than their counterparts in surrounding counties.
The new budget plan would give Birkett $425,000 additional dollars in 2009.
Birkett said the money will be used as equity adjustments for prosecutor salaries. He also is hopeful merit raises or cost-of-living adjustments will be possible from other funds for the office's other staff.
The chairman's last-minute adjustments also include money to help soften the blow of rising health-care costs for all county employees.
Though the dismal economy is lowering sales tax revenues, the chairman said, DuPage County made an extra $1 million from other taxes and fees and spent about $10 million less than anticipated in 2008, leaving $44 million in reserves.
He also proposed setting aside $7.5 million to create a one-time capital improvement fund toward DuPage 2013 later in the year depending on the economic picture.
In a show of hands, a majority of county board members at Monday's workshop favored the plan. They may sign off on the updated version today.