Rolling Meadows examines city finances

Facing a nearly $1.7 million budget deficit, the Rolling Meadows City Council continued to talk figures Tuesday night, examining the possibility of cuts in 2011 as well as short-term borrowing for 2010.

Council members questioned several budget items, from a $412 budget line for mileage to costs ranging several thousands of dollars.

Citing property tax payments that aren't due until December, City Manager Sarah Phillips said the staff recommends the city issue a tax anticipation note of $1.5 million for a short-term loan.

Phillips said it will probably cost the city about $16,000 to borrow the money in a perceived worst-case scenario, but that actual costs would most likely be closer to $13,000.

“We're spending $16,000 a year because we don't have any money, Alderman Brad Judd said, citing lines of credit approved for the past three years.

Also up for discussion was the police department 2011 draft budget, which left Chief David J. Scanlan explaining the downside of putting off scheduled purchases of new vehicles and equipment.

Scanlan cited the need to update nearly extinct platforms and equipment, equating police vehicle electronic systems to cell phone technology.

The chief explained that repair bills are mounting after holding over purchases in the past, noting that on any given day the department is down four or five cars in its “front-line fleet, mainly due to electronic fixes needed.

Scanlan also urged the council to buy Ford Crown Victoria vehicles while they are still available, saying new electronic components would have to be purchased on all other types of police cars in the future.

The police department budget conversation will be continued at the next council meeting. The public works budget discussion was also tabled for another date.