12 South Center Street Bensenville, IL 60106 Office: 630.766.8200 Fax: 630.594.1105
VILLAGE BOARD
President Frank Soto Trustees Morris Bartlett Susan V. Janowiak Robert “Bob” Jarecki Martin O’Connell JoEllen Ridder Henry Wesseler Village Clerk Ilsa Rivera-Trujillo Village Manager Michael J. Cassady
October 8, 2013
RE: 2014 Budget Transmittal Letter
Dear President Soto and Village Board of Trustees:
It is my privilege to present for your review and consideration the proposed 2014 Operating Budget and Community Investment Plan. The Proposed Budget and Community Investment Plan (CIP) totals $71,087,577 which represents a 20.50% percent increase over 2013. Our Leadership Team has done an exceptional job reining in costs in our Operating Budget, which increases 1.97% percent over 2013. The majority of the overall budget increase is attributable to the prioritization of capital infrastructure improvements planned in 2014, which amount to $35,850,840, an 49.44% percent increase over 2013. This prioritization of our infrastructure investments will complete the roadway and flood control intervention in Special Service Area 9 in our Northern Business District, allowing that key industrial asset to recognize its value potential. The CIP also funds two significant new initiatives: the reconstruction of our circa 1940’s waste water treatment plant and the development of a new police facility. The introduction of new debt for the Village has not been taken lightly. We have battled effectively to reposition our organization to weather economic challenges not seen since the great depression. We have worked closely with our financial advisor to develop a plan to leverage both debt and a planned use of reserves that allows for the Village to begin these projects, benefiting from a historic low interest rate environment and access to EPA funding at 1.93 percent. We recognize that these are difficult financing decisions and have carefully structured an approach that keeps debt service level and minimizes utility rate increases. This policy document establishes the framework for achieving the strategic goals and objectives established by the Village Board. These strategic objectives are used to guide the decision making process at all levels of the organization so that the specific programs and projects that are advanced for implementation will effectively assist the Board in achieving its overall vision for the Community. This document also demonstrates the organization’s commitment to enhancing our human capital and infrastructure investments. This budget has been developed to ensure that the Village of Bensenville continues to make measurable progress towards its 2027 Vision for the community and that resources are allocated to support exceptional customer services. As with most municipalities, particularly in a non-home rule context, there are limits to the resources available to fund service provision efforts. The Village needs to continually assess the external environment for changes that may either positively or negatively impact available resources. The methodology used in developing the document acknowledges these risks and allows the Village to effectively respond to normal fluctuation in these resources. If significant variations in resources are anticipated, they are addressed through a deliberative process involving the Board and Staff on a quarterly basis.
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