2
THE BUGLE/SENTINEL OCTOBER 3, 2012
News
Trinity Christian event raises $52,000 By Sherri Dauskurdas Staff Reporter
Trinity Christian School students helped raise just over $52,000 through a Walk-A-Thon held Sept. 22 at the school. The recent walk-a-thon drew about 550 students and parents. Organizers had hoped to raise $52,000 through the fundraiser and students exceeded that goal by $500. “It was amazing to see our students and families work together to achieve something for the school and help make Christian education available to others,” said Christi Neill, co-chair of the Walk-A-Thon committee. Half of the money students
raised will be used to pay off building debt for the middle school wing, which opened in 2010. The other half will be used to fund scholarships for families in need. One student raised more than $1,000 for the walk-a-thon. Three students raised over $500 and 34 students raised at least $250. Trinity Christian School would like to thank its business sponsors who helped make the walk-athon a success. Business sponsors included Grove Dental Associates, Midland States Bank, Dr. Vince Benig, US. Foods, Great American Bagel, Jewel-Osco, McDonald’s, Culver’s,Target, Ultra Foods, ChickFil-A, Starbucks,Wendy’s,Walmart, Meijer,Walgreens and Staples.
Submitted Photo/Trinity Christian School
Kindergarten students (from left) Sami Ankeney, Bella Spence, Maya Salomon and Micah Siefken walk together during the Walk-A-Thon.
Board approves cost saving initiatives ahead of budget work The Will County Board has approved a voluntary furlough program for the fourth consecutive year and signed off on the purchase of an office building in an effort to cut expenses and save taxpayer dollars. “Both the voluntary furlough program and the purchase of additional office space represent this Board’s ongoing efforts to practice the highest level of fiscal responsibility,” said Chairman Jim Moustis. “We are thankful to the many county employees that participated in the furlough program in previous years and those that will do so in 2013. As the county has grown, we have had to lease additional office
space. The purchase of this real estate will decrease lease expenses and pay for itself in only a few years.” The furlough program is completely voluntary and some employees have found the program beneficial in allowing additional time off to care for a child as opposed to arranging and paying for childcare.Additionally, others simply enjoyed taking an extended vacation. Since fiscal year 2010, approximately 340 employees have taken part in voluntary furloughs. Last year the county saved $127,494. “As we enter the time when tough budget decisions need to be made, everyone plays an important role in holding the line and being fiscally responsible while continuing to provide a high level of service,” said Minority Leader Walter Adamic (D-Joliet). “Everyone is working together now to arrive at a balanced budget that is best for the citizens of Will County.” The board approved the
purchase of the former Social Security Administration building at 158 Scott St. in Joliet because it will reduce lease expenses and pay for itself within several years. The Board plans to move the land use department into the building and save approximately $230,000 annually in lease expenses. The 12,000-squarefoot building is being purchased for $850,000 and paid from cash reserves. The county executive submitted his 2013 budget proposal to the board last week. The board will now work on analyzing and potentially making adjustments to the budget ahead of approving it in November. “Transparency and public input are two critical keys in drafting a responsible budget,” said Ed Kusta, Jr. (R-Bolingbrook), finance committee chairman. “Will County practices and encourages both, and this year is no different. We must be prudent and wise with every taxpayer dollar.”