Environmental programs up on the chopping block

Preliminary budget talks in DuPage County indicate cuts may be looming for several environmental programs.

County leaders still are pinning their hopes on a major revenue boost through a state cigarette tax that could deflect anticipated across-the-board cuts. As a result, the county board delayed its budget presentation until mid-October in hopes of a windfall from the General Assembly.

In the meantime, the finance committee is forging ahead with budgets for departments not funded by property taxes, such as public works and economic development, that receive revenues through fees and grants.

Officials have learned that even these areas have been hurt by the tepid economy.

Economic Development and Planning Director Thomas Cuculich said permit applications for development are down from previous years.

"Because fees are flat we've instituted some cuts in the budget," he said.

The financial culling will likely eliminate $100,000 from a household hazardous waste collection facility in Naperville, $28,000 from a latex paint recycling initiative and $25,000 from SCARCE, the county's environmental education center.

County funding provides 43 percent of the household hazardous waste facility's operating budget.

"It's quite a reduction in their ability to operate," Cuculich said, adding that "we chose programs over personnel."

The cuts may not be required if new revenue sources, such as grants, emerge in 2008.

Meanwhile, Deputy Public Works Director Nicholas Kottmeyer said the biggest challenge for his department this year will be converting numerous homeowners in unincorporated neighborhoods to Lake Michigan water.

The public works department is anticipating spending $31.5 million in 2008 compared to $29.5 million in 2007.

The lake water project could cost between $4 million and $5 million, which likely will be financed by a low-interest loan from the DuPage Water Commission.

Officials from both departments said staff retention is a constant challenge, and Cuculich commented that morale was affected by fears of reductions in benefits and a 2 percent raise.

"For some of my people making $25,000 a year, 2 percent means $20 a month," he said.