North Aurora’s planned spending slightly up

North Aurora’s proposed village budget for 2012-13 calls for 3.5 percent more spending in its general fund compared to the 2011-12 fiscal year.

But it also calls for spending at least $1 million less on capital projects.

The village board will vote on the budget May 21. The fiscal year begins June 1.

Staff members are studying whether the village charges enough for water and sewer, but the budget does not reflect any increases. Salary expenses are up, as the village budgeted for raises for nonunion personnel of 1.5 percent to 2 percent. The number of village workers — the equivalent of 54 full-timers — is expected to stay the same.

For all funds, including special service area and capital projects funds, the budget calls for spending $18.63 million and taking in $18.3 million.

The operating expenses portion calls for expenses of $12.81 million and revenue of $12.91 million. Part of that is replacing five police squad cars. Two of those were supposed to be bought under the 2011-12 budget, but could not be delivered on time to make the budget deadline.

The capital projects budget is down $1.02 million from the 2011-12 fiscal year, as the village has finished building its new police station and remodeling village hall.

The budget expects the village will receive slightly less in property taxes. The village’s finance director also projected that the village’s equalized assessed valuation will continue to decline, as it has for the last two levy years.

Property taxes account for 17 percent of the revenue, and sales taxes account for 26 percent. The sales tax picture has improved in part because another car dealership opened in the North Aurora Auto Mall. The mall lost two dealerships in 2009.

The budget can be viewed at the village hall, 25 E. State St., or online at vil.north-aurora.il.us/finance/pdf/2012-2013-budget.pdf.