FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
October 28, 2009
 

CIVIC FEDERATION SUPPORTS COUNTY'S FISCAL YEAR 2010 BUDGET PROPOSAL

DU PAGE COUNTY -- The Civic Federation, a non-partisan government research organization working to maximize the quality and cost-effectiveness of government services in the Chicago region and State of Illinois, announced on Tuesday that they supported DuPage County's Fiscal Year 2010 budget proposal because "it maintains funding for core programs while providing property tax relief." 

DuPage County Board Chairman Bob Schillerstrom said he was pleased with the Federation's analysis, which shows that the County's long-time fiscal responsibility and leadership has allowed DuPage to weather the current economic storm.

"While other counties and cities are seeing double-digit property tax increases, DuPage County is actually cutting property taxes for the eighth time in eleven years," said Schillerstrom.  "It is due to our fiscal management that we are able to ensure our county programs continue to serve our residents without any interruption, or tax increases." 

In a release issued on Tuesday, the Civic Federation noted that "the County is able to provide relief to property taxpayers during a difficult recession that has decimated many Illinois governments' budgets."

The Fiscal Year 2010 proposed budget provides for no employee raises or layoffs. 

The Federation also commended the County's commitment to transparency.  This summer, the County created an online budget calendar that allows residents to follow, and participate in, the budget process.  The County also held three public budget hearings that provided residents with an opportunity to share which issues were most important to them and their families.

Finance Committee Chairman Paul Fichtner (District 1) noted that the County will continue to engage the public throughout the current budget process.

"It is imperative that the public continues to participate in our budget process," said Fichtner.  "The work we do has a direct impact on our residents and their communities and we are committed to ensuring every voice is heard throughout this process."  

To view the entire report issued by the Civic Federation, please visit http://civicfed.org. 

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