Elgin’s budget task force doesn’t want to see the city start using riverboat revenue for operating expenses, but it does want to focus the diminishing funds more toward core services.
The group on Tuesday reached a consensus on recommending to the City Council that the current riverboat policy remain in place, meaning funds would continue to be used for capital expenditures, agencies and organizations and one-time, non-operating expenses.
“I think the policy still makes sense, we just have less money to distribute,” member James Nowicki said.
The group did add a caveat that it would like to see core services like police, fire and infrastructure needs take top priority when doling out the money. Member Thomas Sandor said money left over after those needs are met can be distributed to other groups.
“The Council needs to stop trying to please everybody because there’s no money to please everybody anymore,” he said.
The group has had ongoing discussions about how much money the city should give to community organizations in light of riverboat money declining. At least eight of 11 task force members who voted on possible expense reductions agreed the city should reduce or eliminate the amount of riverboat revenue going to the Elgin Public Museum, Community Crisis Center, Neighborhood Housing Services, Elgin Community Network, Senior Services and Elgin Symphony Orchestra, among others.
As the city faces a $4.5 million structural budget deficit for the upcoming year, the group also took a look at potential ways to cut costs across all funds. At least eight members backed closing The Centre’s climbing wall, eliminating a water aerobics program, eliminating sponsorship of “main stage” entertainment and eliminating or reducing funding to the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce for economic development.
On the flip side, there were areas most of the task force was adamant about continuing to fund, including a CPR program, the Eastside Recreation Center, City Hall court security and the Child Advocacy Center.
The full list of the group’s recommended expense cuts will be posted on the city’s website and will be sent to the City Council, which will make final decisions on what to keep and cut.
Next week, the task force will take a look at the city’s personnel costs as well as the revenue side of the budget. That meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at The Centre, 100 Symphony Way.
