Mokena Won't Give In On Budget Cuts Without a Fight

Like other municipalities in Illinois, the  has struggled with a budget made tougher by the state's tardiness in distributing revenue.

But to further complicate matters—and possibly set back some signs of economic recovery in village finances—local government could face another budget cut.  

State lawmakers will reportedly consider withholding more of the state income tax from towns and villages, which could translate into $438,000 cut from the village's general fund.

"The state has been late in paying us for the last couple of years anyway," said Trustee George Metanias Tuesday, April 26. "They just started to get a little bit better. Instead of six months, for example, they'll be three months behind."

Metanias learned about the potential cuts during a visit to Springfield in early April. The trustee is not pleased about the idea, especially because the village has managed to reduce its general fund expenses by 18 percent, or $1.6 million, in the past couple of years.

He is encouraging residents to write or call their local state representatives to oppose the measure and to contact him for more information.

"We want the residents to get active with this," he added.

Metanias discussed the issue with fellow trustees during a regular meeting Monday night. 

"If this happens, that's going to affect the services and the way we do business and it's going to affect the community," Metanias said during Monday's meeting.

Village President Joe Werner said local officials have already written letters to state lawmakers and "we need residents to do the same thing."

Bottom Line: Get State Fiscal House in Order

The proposal to withhold the revenue is included in a "menu of reductions the state could look into," which was suggested by Illinois Senate Republicans, said Patty Schuh, spokeswoman for Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno (R-Lemont). Although the cuts could save up to $6.7 billion for fiscal year 2012, the GOP goal is to save at least $4 billion, Schuh explained.

"Obviously, no one wants funding cut to anything, but that's what got us into this problem in the first place," Schuh told Patch Tuesday.

Schuh noted the tax cut proposal is one of "hundreds, maybe thousands" of suggestions the state could consider.

"[The suggestions] could actually begin some conversation on how the state gets its budget in order," she said.

The spokeswoman said Radogno's office has heard from various sides in the debate: taxpayers complaining of a tax hike, service providers who haven't been paid by the state, as well as mayors and others who don't want to see any budget cuts.

"That all has to be weighed," Schuh added. "But the bottom line is the state has to get its fiscal house in order or everything will collapse."

Trustee Metanias said he understands the Republicans' position, "but this is one thing that we're totally opposing...this is one thing that we are very passionate about because it's going to affect us the most.

"I was elected to represent the people," he added. "We're trying to make sure that we get our share and we don't want the short end of the stick."