For Immediate Release
Contact:  Jason Gerwig
630-407-6022
November 28, 2007

COUNTY PASSES CUT BUDGET

Program cuts and layoffs delayed for three months

The DuPage County Board approved its Fiscal Year 2008 budget that is $50 million below the current fiscal year’s already reduced budget, and which includes layoffs and funding reductions that will adversely impact public safety and human services programs.

However, none of the program cuts or layoffs will go into effect for three months as the Board approved delaying the implementation of the budget in order to give the public safety referendum a chance to pass, which would provide a new revenue stream for the County.  The referendum will appear on the February 5, 2008 ballot.  

“Over the past couple of weeks we held a series of hearings to discuss and dissect this budget.  It became clear in those meetings that we are a lean government and that there simply are no more cuts to be made,” said Robert J. Schillerstrom, Chairman of the DuPage County Board.  “This wasn’t the budget any of us wanted, but it was our only options given the absence of a new revenue source.”

The Fiscal Year 2008 budget is over $50 million below this years already reduced budget, putting budget levels at FY99 levels and aggregate headcount will be below 1997 levels.

With the absence of a new revenue source, cuts in the budget most adversely impact the Corporate Fund, which provides the majority of resources for law enforcement, judicial, public safety and healthcare.  

Included in the budget cuts is the elimination of 235 positions, which makes up 15 percent of the corporate workforce.  Over 179 of these layoffs will come from public safety agencies, with 100 layoffs occurring in the Sheriff’s office.

There will also be a 20 percent reduction in the number of probation officers – who already handle high case loads, which will translate into more offenders spending time unmonitored on county streets.

A key component of the new Fiscal Year 2008 budget is the implementation of a hiring freeze, and a ban on out-of-state travel, which was first recommended by Debra Olson (District 4) and the Cost Efficiency Committee she chaired this past summer.

“Throughout the summer the Cost Efficiency Committee examined every facet of county government and explored where efficiencies could be made,” said Olson.  “I am pleased that many of our findings and recommendations were incorporated into this budget.  It is important that we hold the line on spending as we await the results of the public safety referendum.”

The Convalescent Center will also feel the pain of cuts.  By reducing their financial support, which is already the lowest subsidy among county nursing facilities in the region, the County must reassess its role in the operation of this facility.

DuPage County also has a proud history of caring for its environment and open spaces.  Unfortunately, without new revenue the Household Hazardous Waste program and the regional recycling center in Naperville will no longer receive funding from the county.  Funding for water quality programs, mandated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), – will also be compromised.

Other programs and services affected by the reduced budget include the:  closure of traffic courts; elimination of funding for the U of I Extension; closure of the Historical Museum; delays in property tax distributions to schools and local governments; inability to provide remaining staff with merit or wage increases and a delay in payments to vendors who do business with the County. 

The County’s 2008 Fiscal Year began December 1, 2007.