Story posted Thursday, October 29, 2009
Talkin' Elk Grove
State of Village Address Sparks Lively Discussion At Senior Center
Elk Grove Village Mayor Craig Johnson delivered a State of the Village address to a group of seniors at the Al Hattendorf Center last Tuesday.
Johnson said he held a "lively discussion" with seniors at the Sheila Ray Center, located in the park district's Hattendorf Center, to a packed room. The mayor and seniors discussed developments at O'Hare Airport, the Elgin O'Hare West Bypass Expressway project, the new "green" village hall building, planned summer concerts and the economy.
Johnson said the discussion of the economy had the most spirited give and take. He told seniors he was not sure what would happen with the economy but said he would keep on top of it.
Last year the village took in $2.9 million less revenue than expected from both sales taxes and real estate transfer taxes.
Cost cutting measures and better than expected revenues from intergovernmental income tax revenues made up for much of that lost revenue though village officials still dipped into reserves in the amount of $1.9 million last year.
Seniors were also excited about the summer concert series though Johnson said many were not familiar with all the bands set to play. Johnson said now is not the time to cut back on village services including things like free concert events.
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