Politics & Government
Library May Benefit From City's New Budget
City officials discussed the proposed 2011-2012 fiscal year budget in its second of three budget sessions Monday.
The city's property tax allocation to the Wheaton library increased by $200,000 this year after it had been reduced in past year's budgets. The city held its second of three budget workshop meetings Monday night to continue discussions of the 2011-2012 budget.
City Manager Donald Rose said the library’s expenses increased 1.5 percent from last year’s budget. Donald Armstrong, Jr., treasurer of the library board, said the library “is in good shape for the next fiscal year.” The increased funding allows the library to restore Friday hours and restore the salaries of full-time staff which were previously cut.
However, Armstrong said the library has not reinstated all services and has cut back on part-time employee hours. “Prices are stable and there are no large projects planned for this year,” he said.
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Rose said the proposed budget for Wheaton’s Police Department is $1,400 higher than last year. There are no significant changes in funding patterns but there is some reorganization within the department and administrative staff.
Police Chief, Mark Field, said “I’m satisfied and grateful for the funding the police department is scheduled to receive.”
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Chief Field said that by the end of the current fiscal year all vehicles will be equipped with mobile data computers. “DUI offenders are paying for the new technology, not the city,” Field said.
Mayor Michael Gresk said the public will have the opportunity to provide input on the proposed budget at Saturday’s 9 a.m. budget workshop. A City Council budget public hearing is scheduled for 7 p.m. Mar. 14.
