Village Budget in a 'Good Position'

Before the Village Board votes on New Lenox's $60 million budget next month, trustees got an update on finances and there was no debate, as many agreed the budget is in a good position right now.

The Village Board will vote on the budget April 8, but finance director Kim Auchstetter gave trustees a rundown of the budget, which shows revenue to be about $800,000 higher than expenses for 2011-12.

"The work we've done the past two fiscal years has put us in this position," Auchstetter said.

That work includes a hiring freeze in 2010, health care sharing plans, limited travel and more. Other highlights from the board's presentation:

• In 2010-11, operating revenue was $25,569,417 and expenses $24,313,370. In 2011-12, it could be $26,387,381 and $25,575,568.
• Major capital improvements include a water main extension from Cedar Road to Route 6 and Cedar Crossing Mall infrastructure improvements.
• This year, the village is assuming 25 single-family homes, four commercial building permits, a medical campus building permit, the 40 percent property tax rebate and FEMA money for the blizzard cleanup, all factors that will affect revenue.
• The , which costs nearly $350,000 to put on, will bring in $393,400 and pay for more than half the other free events put on at the Commons.
• A sewer and water rate study will be completed during the next year because the village is anticipating that Oak Lawn will make infrastructure improvements of which New Lenox could pay about 10 percent. Future treatment plant expansions must also be considered.

The board will vote on the village's budget at its next meeting on Monday, April 11. At the start of the meeting, there will be a public hearing for anyone who wants to speak about the budget. Mayor Tim Baldermann said that even if something isn't included in the village's budget, the board can take up the matter at a later date.

"The board always has the opportunity to come back in and revisit this if there's something of importance to the community," he said.