www.streamwood.org January 2015 2015 Water 2015 Village Budget Summary The Village of Streamwood recently adopted its 2015 Budget. It is a balanced budget that anticipates no new Rate Changes revenue or taxes, and sets aside over $8 million for capital improvements. This ensures our guarantee to provide exceptional services while preserving the long-term financial stability of the Village. The 2015 Budget totals $54,794,319. This marks an 11% increase over last year’s budget. A good portion of this increase in expenditures includes transfers from reserve accounts, and anticipated increases in sales taxes as a result of our improved economy. Improvements in our economy and confidence in our community is reflected by significant private sector investment in 2014, including: • $2.7 million in shopping center renovation projects • Over $4 million in new tenant space and exterior façades at Westview Shopping Center • Nearly $1.25 million invested in new or revitalized tenant space at nine other retail businesses • $15.1 million in new commercial construction, including Elgin Toyota of Streamwood, Westbrook Senior Housing, and a new Auto Zone store. The Village also saw increases in commercial and industrial occupancies, and new and expanded retail, commercial and industrial business, which has resulted in increased employment. In addition to these private sector investments, the Village invested over $3 million throughout the community in 2014 through infrastructure improvements including: • Pavement and/or reconstruction of 6.5 miles of streets • Sewer and water improvements including painting the water tower at Streamwood High School Streamwood, like all communities receiving • Removal of approximately 1,000 trees impacted by the Emerald Ash Borer, and the replacement of over water from Chicago, will see a change in water 700 trees throughout the Village. rates for 2015. The Village’s portion of the rate We are pleased to report that the Village ended the fiscal year with revenues in excess of expenditures. will remain steady this year, staying at $10.66 These positive economic indicators helped to fuel our confidence as we prepared the 2015 Budget. Rest per 1,000 gallons used. The city of Chicago assured that the Village takes its role as steward of your tax dollars seriously. We monitor all our expendi - surcharge, however, is increasing 50 cents from tures, scrutinizing every dollar spent. We examine all capital costs, seek opportunities for sharing resources, $1.30 to $1.80 per 1,000 gallons. and encourage cross-training to keep our operations efficient, yet effective. Despite the increase, tap water is relatively The Village’s consistent cost containment efforts allow us to mainta in healthy reserve levels in our General inexpensive when compared to bottled water. A Fund. The General Fund accounts for all key day-to-day operating services including police, fire, public works, 24-pack case of bottled water costs around community development, and general administration activities. The Village Board has decided to reinvest some of these reserves to accomplish a number of its key goals for 2015: evaluation and implementation of a Crime- $3.00. At that rate, you’d spend almost Free Housing Initiative; hosting more frequent Board workshops to better understand and respond to the needs $950.00 for 1,000 gallons of bottled water, of our community; improving our economic development strategies to maintain health in our business sector; instead of $10.66 for 1,000 gallons of tap and re-energizing our commissions and neighborhood watch organizations, to maximize their effectiveness. water. Despite these capital expenses and increases in operating budgets, the Village will maintain a reserve balance in excess of 25% of expenditures, which is consistent with Board policy. (continued on page 4) Board2News Village In4formation Communit5y Information Parks an6d Libraries Sch7ools Village Board News Shop Smart. Shop Local. Shop Streamwood! Shopping locally is an easy and effective way to support our community. Sales tax from local purchases helps offset the Village’s reliance on property taxes. Don’t know what’s available? Go to www.streamwood.org and click on the Shop Streamwood logo, or download the app for your smart - phone. You can get it from the Google Play Store, Apple App Store, or our QR code. Shopping locally has never been easier! Holiday Helping Recent Board Actions The Police a nd Fire Departments sponsored a Holiday Helping Program for 20 local families. Children were able to shop at Streamwood Super Target for gifts for their families, alongside police officers and firefight - ers. After shopping, the kids enjoyed a visit with Santa and some delicious treats, while vol - unteers helped wrap their presents. A special ‘thank you’ goes to all of the police and fire personnel who shopped, especially Karyn Nelson who helped to plan and Firefighter/Paramedics Enzbigilis, Becker, organize the entire event. This program Torkelson, and Dailey, and Police Officer Steve would not have been possible without the Unger, were recognized for their lifesaving efforts generous support of local businesses, includ - at a recent Board meeting. ing 7-11 Stores, Casey Automotive, Public Safety Awards Conway Imports Auto Sales, Elgin Toyota of Streamwood, Fiesta The Vil lage Board recogn ized several outstanding Market, Kiwanis Club of Streamwood, Sam’s Club, Storino, Firefighters and a Police Officer with Life Saving Ramello, and Durkin, Walmart, Dr. Ziesk, and many other business - Awards. These public safety officers saved two lives es, organizations, and individuals. Thank you! in two days! In both instances, responding person - Streamwood Police to Offer Citizen’s Police Academy nel found unresponsive individuals who were treat - Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a Police Officer? Would you like to view the department from a ed on-scene with CPR and automatic defibrillators. unique perspective? Consider taking part in our upcoming Citizen’s Police Academy! The departments were glad to report that in both cases the patients made complete recoveries. The academy will offer citizens new insight into how police officers perform their duties, as well as how the department functions to serve the community. The Academy consists of 10 classes, starting March 2, focused Budget Adopted on topics such as Crime Scene Preservation, Neighborhood Based Policing, and more. The Village Board approved its 2015 Budget. At $54,794,319, the 2015 budget is balanced Any Streamwood resident over the age of 21 is welcome to apply for the class. Applications are available at between revenues and expenses. It includes no the Streamwood Police Department, Village Hall, and online. The deadline to apply is February 13. If you new taxes or fees. The budget includes $8.5 have any questions, please contact Commander Daryl Syre at (630) 736-3784, or via e-mail at million in capital improvements, including water [email protected] . and sewer system improvements and construc - Stars-N-Stripes Café tion costs for the 2015 street program . Residents looking for a new lunch alternative can visit the Hanover Township Stars-N-Stripes Café, locat - ed in the Township Senior Center. Our menu offers a wide variety of freshly cooked, high quality foods Levy Approved prepared with vegetables grown in the Township’s aeroponic garden towers. The Café is open Monday The Village Board adopted the 2014 Tax Levy. The through Friday from 11:00 am-1:00 pm. Lunches are $4.00 for seniors 60 and up, $6.00 for those levy was decreased this year by 0.5%. The new under 60. For questions or more information please contact Hanover Township at (630) 483-5600 or rate will be about the same as last year’s, and con - visit to view monthly menus. tinues to be lower than surrounding communities. www.hanover-township.org s w e N d r a o B Billie Roth Michael Baumer William Carlson James Cecille William Harper Guy Patterson Mary Thon Kittie Kopitke 2 YYoouurr VViillllaaggee PPrreessiiddeenntt,, BBooaarrdd ooff TTrruusstteeeess,, aanndd VViillllaaggee CClleerrkk Luminaria 2014 Me ssage From The Village President Streamwood residents gathered to enjoy friendship, fun, cookies, and cocoa at Happy New Year! It’s hard to our 30th Anniversary of Luminaria. Children waited patiently to visit with believe that another year has Santa. While they waited, the Streamwood Community Choir and SPD Art passed, and a New Year is here. Academy entertained with song and dance. Two lucky winners were chosen to We hope that you enjoyed your help President Roth light up the Christmas tree in the Veterans Memorial. It was entire holiday season. A great a truly bright start to the holiday season! note of thanks goes to the many people who helped make the holiday season bright for those who are less fortunate in our community. T he Village hosted its annual Holiday Helping Program. This program gives children from local disadvan - taged families an opportunity to shop for Christmas gifts at Two lucky winners helped President Roth light the Holiday Tree at our 30th Annual Luminaria. the Streamwood Super Target store, accompanied by Streamwood police officers and fire fighters. We offer our grateful appreciation to the dozens of businesses, individuals and vol - unteers, who helped to make this a truly happy holiday for these families. Many people also dropped off donations at the Village Hall and other locations throughout Streamwood, for the Kiwanis Club’s coat drive, Hanover Township’s toy drive, and Township food pantry. Thank you all for helping to make the hol - iday season bright! Bright was the key word for our 30th Annual Luminaria. Residents of all ages came out to enjoy our annual event on December 5, where our holiday tree was draped in 16,800 lights. On behalf of the Village Board of Trustees, I would like to express our sincere appreciation to all those who helped to continue this unique tradition in Streamwood including Cheryl Dahl-Kearney and family, Dee’s Catering, Streamwood Community Choir, SPD Arts Academy, and the many schools, businesses, civic and scouting groups, individuals and families who decorated our parkways and helped at Village Hall.