This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Politics & Government

Village Approves Next Fiscal Budget

The Grayslake Village Board approved its 2011/2012 budget, approved raising fees at the local Metra station and more at its April 5 meeting.

2011/2012 Fiscal Year Budget Shows Less Spending than 2010/2011 Fiscal Year

The Grayslake Village Board approved a 2011/2012 capital and operating budget for the Village that will be 7.6 percent less than last fiscal year’s at $23,107,573, according to the Village.

Grayslake Mayor Rhett Taylor said the Village has managed to keep service costs below the rate of inflation and has been able to maintain its levels of service while reducing spending.

Find out what's happening in Grayslakewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“The board is very proud the budget is balanced,” Taylor said.

Budget highlights include maintaining levels of service through a 40 percent reduction in full-time, non-police staffing cuts, reduced employee benefits and elimination of new equipment purchases and reduced capital spending, according to a release from the village. The competitive bid process for various services has also lowered costs over time, it states.

Find out what's happening in Grayslakewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Highlights also include over 6.5 million for community improvement projects, no debt service payment costs, a continuation of environmental programs, meeting all pension obligations and no increase in the garbage or recycling fee, among others.

Capital improvements outlined in the budget include residential road resurfacing of 27 streets including Atkinson Road from Center Street to Sheffield Lane.

Grayslake Approves Raising Parking Fees at Grayslake Metra Station, Despite Disagreement

The board voted 3 to 2 to pass an ordinance that will raise the daily parking fee at the Grayslake Metra station from $1.50 to $1.75 and the monthly hang tag fee from $25 to $35.

“The increase will help to maintain Metra parking lots in town and encourage commuting," Taylor said.

Ron Jarvis, Grayslake village board trustee, voted against the ordinance saying that by not providing a cost break more people might be driven away. “There are other stations for people to go to,” he said.

The fee increase is due to lower commuter traffic, resulting in lower parking revenues, according to the Village. The new fees are not set to take place until May 1, 2012 and could be deferred should parking lot usage increase.

Grayslake OKs Addendum to Dispatch Service Agreement with Glenview Village

The Village approved an addendum to its current Dispatch Services Agreement with the Village of Glenview to consolidate Grayslake and Glenview’s police records management systems. Taylor said this consolidation of services will help save money for Grayslake tax payers.

Lions Club Pancake Breakfast is April 10

Lions Club member Gayle Cinke reminded the community that this Sunday, April 10 the club will host an all you can eat pancake breakfast to benefit the vision and hearing impaired. The breakfast will be held from 7:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Grayslake Fire Station. The charge for the all you can eat breakfast is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors 62 and older, $4 for children ages 6 through 12 and it’s free for children 5 and under.

Grayslake Proclaims Arbor Day April 29, 2011

Taylor urged the community to protect the environment after the board approved proclaiming April 29 Arbor Day. “Grayslake is a tree city and we’re entering spring,” he said. The Village proclaims Arbor Day annually around this time.

5K Race Planned for Downtown Grayslake August 6

The Village approved a temporary use permit for the Grayslake Library Foundation and the Grayslake Running Club for a downtown 5K race August 6.

“We encourage civic activity like this,” Taylor said.

Central Park, Library Lane, sidewalks along Lake Street and several streets in the Manor area will be used in the race expected to take place from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?