5 Things to Know about the Proposed 2013-14 Village Budget

1. The village expects to spend $31.3 million during fiscal year 2013-14, roughly $7.6 million more than it did during the current fiscal year. Most of the increase comes from the motor fuel tax, which is expected to require a $2.2 million payout versus $28,000 in FY 2012-13, and the $5 million earmarked for capital projects. The village budgeted $960,000 for capital projects in FY 2012-13. Of those projects, about $2 million is expected to go toward storm and sanitary sewer improvements.
2. The village anticipates it will end this fiscal year on April 30 with a surplus of $147,110, more than four times the $32,023 surplus it projected during last year’s budget cycle. Projections for the next five fiscal years maintain financial stability with balanced budgets, including a $65,721 surplus for FY 2013-14.
3. The village reduced spending by $500,000 each year for the past three years in response to the recession. It’s now operating on $1.5 million less than it did in fiscal year 2009-10. The reduction was accomplished in part through staff attrition, smaller raises for most village employees and pay freezes for others (including the village manager), and a reduction in transfers to the capital projects fund for ventures such as street sign replacement.
4. The village delayed a 1 percent increase in the utility tax that was supposed to take place in July 2012. It will now hit residents’ bills in FY 2014-15.
5. Two studies analyzing the feasibility of public safety consolidation among La Grange, La Grange Park and Western Springs have been completed over the past two years, and a final report will likely be presented in April. The budget notes that if the villages’ move toward a shared dispatch center, a merger of other police services could follow.

Review the 331 pages of the proposed budget on the village’s website.

The Finance Committee is scheduled to discuss the proposed budget during a special meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, immediately before the Village Board meeting at the Village Hall.