Will County Sets Public Hearing On 2011 Budget

The Will County Board's finance committee is asking for the public's input regarding the proposed 2011 budget and has scheduled a hearing for Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. in the county board room, 302 N. Chicago St., Joliet. 

Board members recently received the budget from the County Executive's Office and are performing a line-by-line review.

Finance committee chairman Ed Kusta Jr. (R-Bolingbrook) is urging board members to find ways for the county to live within its means without continuing to tap cash reserves, as the proposed budget calls for the use of $3.8 million of those funds.

"Will County has done a much better job than most other local governments at planning and preparing for tough times," said Kusta.  "Our fiscally conservative policies are keeping needed monies in the pockets of our residents.  However, this is not the time to change course and risk creating a meager reserve fund or force tax increases at a later time.  This would be the second year in a row that we had to use reserves in order to balance the budget."

The county executive's $173 million proposed budget includes a 3.7 percent increase in spending as well as a hiring freeze along with voluntary severances and furloughs to achieve additional savings.  Last year, 36 employees accepted voluntary severance packages and another 166 employees agreed to take voluntary furloughs to help balance the budget.

"This is a spending plan that we are reviewing with the utmost seriousness and respect for our residents' money," said Chairman Jim Moustis.  "These are challenging times for every household and everyone has felt the effects of this recession.  We are mindful of this and don't want to spend a dollar more than is necessary.  This is the time we need to get creative and tough.  We may have to say 'No' to some of these proposed expenses."

Following the public hearing, final approval of the budget is expected at the Nov. 18 board meeting.  The new budget takes effect Dec. 1.