Excerpts from the ChicagoTribune.com:
The Elgin City Council recently approved a plan to increase the hotel tax and adjust firefighter staffing levels, sparking debate over the city’s financial strategy and public safety.
The original budget proposal aimed to raise the hotel tax from 4% to 6%, which would have added approximately $1.39 to the average room rate. It also included a proposal to cut funding for the Elgin Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. However, after discussions with city officials, the council decided to go a step further by increasing the tax by 8%, bringing in an extra $240,000 annually—adding about $3 per night per room. This move was seen as a way to maintain support for the bureau, which has been funded by the city since the 1980s through a combination of hotel taxes and state grants.
In addition to the tax hike, the proposed budget includes a plan to reduce the number of firefighters on each shift, from 34 to 32. The city claims this will result in $700,000 in savings on overtime costs without the need for layoffs. Instead, they suggest reorganizing how the remaining staff is deployed, which could improve the availability of ambulances for emergency medical services (EMS), the most common type of call for the fire department.
However, some council members, like Rich Dunne—a former firefighter—expressed concerns that the reduction could lower the city's Insurance Service Office (ISO) rating, potentially leading to higher insurance premiums for residents. Dunne also warned that fewer firefighters on duty might slow down response times during emergencies, putting both the public and first responders at risk. He pointed out that the fire department has already lost 12 positions over the past decade and is expected to do more with fewer resources.
To offset the $700,000 in savings, Dunne proposed alternative cost-cutting measures, such as charging businesses for fire alarm services, leasing equipment instead of buying it, and allowing firefighters to access health insurance through the Illinois Firefighters Association. He argued these steps could cover the budget gap without compromising service quality.
Despite his suggestions, the council rejected Dunne’s proposals in a 7-2 vote. The mayor also raised concerns about the long-term use of overtime to fill shifts, a policy that has been in place for 15 years to avoid the costs of hiring more full-time staff.
Public input is still being sought as the city continues its budget discussions. A meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Saturday at City Hall, where residents can provide feedback on the proposed $259 million 2018 budget and the 2018–2020 financial plan. Final approval is expected on December 20. The full budget document is available online at www.cityofelgin.org/budget.
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