For Immediate Release                                                     
Contact:  Jason Gerwig
January 18, 2007                                                                      
630/407-6022 – wk

LACK OF NEW REVENUE SOURCE FORCES COUNTY TO BEGIN LAYOFFS

WHEATON— With the lack of new revenue source available, and without the necessary tools to address the growing needs of the county, DuPage County Board Chairman Robert J. Schillerstrom announced on Thursday that the budget passed last November would be implemented immediately. 

The budget includes a reduction of 174 full-time employees through a combination of layoffs and the elimination of vacant positions.  Included in the number of reductions are 20 layoffs that will take place immediately at the County’s Convalescent Center.

“These are difficult times, and these are difficult decisions,” said Schillerstrom.  “As Chairman, I will continue our tradition of responsible budgeting while seeking new ways to provide the services and programs so many DuPage residents have come to rely on.”

The Convalescent Center has focused its operations on providing quality long term care and short term rehabilitative services to DuPage County residents in a professional and cost effective manner.  However, without a new revenue source, the Convalescent Centerwill be moving forward with the elimination of twenty (20) positions. 

The layoffs announced on Thursday are located in the following areas: Nursing (4), Finance (3), Dining Services (3), Recreation Therapy (5), Environmental Services (2), Education & Organization Development (1), Social Services/Administration (1) and Resident and Volunteer Services (1).

Last week, the Illinois Senate failed to call a measure for a vote that would have provided Illinoiscounties with the permissive authority to enact a cigarette tax.   While working to get that measure called, Schillerstrom had held off on moving forward with any layoffs in the hope that a new revenue source would be made available. 

“It is unfortunate that a County the size of ours does not have the ability to raise revenue, which would help us maintain vital services, as well as the people who provide them,” said Schillerstrom.  “The problems we are facing are ongoing and will not go away without our ability to secure a new revenue source.”

The County’s current Fiscal Year began December 1, 2006.

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