Libertyville expenses dip 9 percent

Libertyville officials are proposing to spend $5 million less in the 2009-10 budget beginning May 1, as the economy has made for hard decisions.

"It's been a tough one but we're trying to live within our means," said Village Administrator Kevin Bowens.

The proposed budget, which is scheduled for a public hearing April 14, keeps a hiring freeze in place and leaves seven vacant positions unfilled. One position, a parks and recreation supervisor at the Libertyville Sports Complex, is the sole layoff.

Summer and seasonal employees, primarily in the parks department, will be slashed in half from 10 to five positions, and the number of lifeguards and day camp workers also may be reduced.

Money for fireworks for the annual Fourth of July celebration was kept in the budget, although the village is seeking sponsorships to defer the cost.

Funding for employee training and nonemergency overtime also was cut. Park workers will shoulder more landscaping work as money for outside contracts for that work was reduced. Tree pruning and a parkway tree reimbursement program for residents will be deferred.

Expenses are expected to drop from about $54.8 million in the current budget to $49.8 million in the proposed spending plan. Revenues are estimated to drop $1.6 million, although the general fund, which is used for day-to-day expenses, is balanced.

Leading the way has been a steadily eroding sales tax, which has dwindled from $8 million in 2001 to $6 million for 2009-10.

Bowens said increases in food, restaurants and drug sales have not been enough to offset the decline in auto sales, which account for about 60 percent of the village's sales tax revenue.

The budget also calls for increases in fees for programs and services, such as park and recreation programs and ambulance fees. The increases are limited to 2 percent or 3 percent, Bowens said.

"If we make any adjustments, we keep them minimal," he said.

The village also hopes to raise money by providing plan reviews and building inspections to other communities, and will begin cross-training employees in different departments.

Overall budget expenses are about $50 million, more than $8 million above revenue estimates, but reflect construction projects that are being carried over.

Among them is the $11.5 million downtown parking deck, which is paid for separately through a special financing fund, and $3.5 million in water and sewer improvements funded by user fees.

Village trustees agreed to spend $55,700 for equipment as part of a five-year technology plan. Improvements and maintenance at the David Adler Cultural Center, Libertyville Civic Center and other village buildings is included.

Copies of the proposed budget will be available March 23 at village hall and Cook Memorial Public Library.