Former trustee picked to fill short-term spot on Arlington Heights board

Arlene Mulder wants to bypass five political newcomers and appoint former trustee Mark Toljanic to the Arlington Heights village board.

"It's too close to the election," the village president said Friday about her pick. "Plus none of the new candidates have experience with municipal budgets and that time is right on us. This just seemed the most respectful thing to do."

The full village board will vote on Mulder's pick at Monday's board meeting. If approved, Toljanic will start immediately and fill the seat until April 30, when the four trustees who win in the April 7 election are seated.

Toljanic was a trustee for eight years but chose not to run in 2007, saying he wanted to spend more time with his family.

If approved, Toljanic's main job during his short stint will be to help approve the 2009-10 budget, which could be tricky because of the small levy increase the board approved in December. Because of pension commitments, the village will actually collect $165,000 less for general purposes during this budget year. Village finance officials have said the move means programs and possibly employees will have to be cut.

The village operates on a May 1, 2009, to April 30, 2010, fiscal year budget.

Like many suburban municipalities, Arlington Heights plans on spending more than it takes in during the coming budget year. Projected revenues in the general fund are about $62.1 million while expenditures are $64.6 million.

About 80 percent of the village's general fund pays for about 400 village employees.

Toljanic said he agreed with the smaller levy increase despite the tough decisions that will come with the move.

"With this economy, everyone has to take a really close look at their spending," he said.

Mulder discussed her appointment in closed session with trustees this week.