Montgomery's $19.7 Million Budget

$19.7 Million Budget And Climbing.

Many people are surprised at the scope of Montgomery's annual operating budget. And it has grown from $6.2 million in 2005 to a projected $8.2 million for 2011. Add in SSA's and other Special Funds, and spending is at $19.7 million. Where does that money go? Well, that's the responsibility of your Village Trustees. Do we really need to tax and raise that much money? Again, that's the responsibility of your Village Trustees.

Annual Reports for the past several years are posted on the Village website for review. They provide a quick overview budget. The real budget is extensive in size and takes months to develop.

Village Trustees Are The Stewards Of Your Tax Money.

You entrust them to spend as little of your money as possible, to ensure good value for what monies are spent, and to ensure that core city services are adequately funded. Equally important, you trust them to ensure that personnel are adequately suited for their jobs, well trained, and fairly compensated.

Are you satisfied with the job your current Village Trustees are doing? Well, now is the time to choose who will represent you in this process for the next 4 years. My recommendation? Choose people with views similar to yours. You can certainly talk to me and ask any question you like. I want to represent you and make thoughtful decisions just as you would if you were seated at that table.

As The Village Needs More Operating Funds, Will Those Come From Taxes Or Economic Growth?

Now we're getting to where your vote really matters. "Revenue" in this context can either come from higher fees and higher taxes, or it can come from industrial development and jobs growth. In my mind, there's only one true answer. We have to grow, and to grow we need a successful strategy to compete with all the other towns in Illinois who seek growth. For that matter, we must be ready to compete with all the towns anywhere in America who seek growth. We must develop a strategy, identify companies who fall within our strategy, develop and market Montgomery's ability to meet the needs of these prospective employers. This is mission critical work and in my opinion we are losing this race. We are not sufficiently mobilized or focused.