Grayslake still debt-free for new budget

Grayslake officials say the village remains debt-free and will have a balanced budget for the 2012-13 fiscal year beginning May 1.

Village board trustees voted 6-0 this week in favor of a budget that's projected to have total expenses of roughly $16.4 million and revenue of $17.2 million. Operating expenses are expected to be up 1.25 percent from the 2011-12 budget.

Mayor Rhett Taylor said the budget reflects Grayslake's continued effort to contain costs. He also said the village government doesn't have any debt on its books, meaning there are no loan costs to taxpayers.

“As you know, not every government is able to deliver a budget, let alone a balanced budget,” Taylor said.

Officials said the budget calls for Grayslake to continue using private companies for tasks often performed by municipal employees on a public payroll, such as snowplowing. Contract and outsourcing costs equal 42 percent of operating expenses, according to the village.

About $10.2 million has been set aside for community improvements, such as water main replacement in the Route 120 corridor, and renovations and site improvements for the Metra commuter rail station on Lake Street.

Garbage and recycling fees will remain unchanged for the third consecutive year under the new budget.

Other budget highlights include the following:

Ÿ Money for first-year treatment of public trees affected by the emerald ash borer.

Ÿ Continued reduction of employee benefits.

Ÿ Meeting all employee pension funding obligations for the fiscal year running from May 1 through April 30, 2013.

Ÿ Dedicating roughly $1.3 million for residential road resurfacing. Among those on the list for improvements are Braymore Drive, Hawley Court, Dunhill Road and Progress Drive.

Taylor said Grayslake's competitive bidding process and other alternatives for delivering services to residents and businesses help to hold down expenses.

“The use of operating cost controls, such as contracting with the private sector and not-for-profit agencies for service delivery and other operating innovations, are primarily responsible for the village's stable financial condition,” he said.