Blue Island Council Votes Down Proposed Approprations

Alderman Jaro Frausto
Alderman Jaro Frausto

Blue Island City Council Votes Down Proposed Appropriations

BY KATHERINE NEWMAN

The City of Blue Island recently held a City Council meeting to discuss the details of the city’s proposed appropriation of funds for the year. The appropriations as proposed were denied when eight City Council members voted against the budget plan and only five voted to approve it.

Michael Marzal, director of finance and administration for the city of Blue island presented the appropriations that proposed an overall city spending plan of up to $33,597,409 with estimated revenues at $30,086,440, according to Marzal.

“Please keep in mind this is an appropriation and gives the city authority to spend up to an amount. This does not mean the city will spend up to any amount for any specific line item. The city continuously monitors our revenue and expenses and adjusts spending based on a number of factors,” said Marzal.

On Feb. 20 the city held a workshop to discuss the budget and proposed revenue enhancements. The appropriation presented at the recent City Council meeting does not include any of the proposed revenue enhancements, according to Marzal. He went on to say that any changes will have to be reviewed by the appropriate committees before they are brought to the city for approval.

During the time allowed for public comment, many community members spoke out about the need for big business to return to the area and contribute to tax revenue rather than increasing the taxes of private citizens. There were also concerns about the amount of money being spent on maintaining the Meadows Golf Club which is owned by the city.

Two areas that Blue Island Aldermen pointed out and discussed about the golf course spending were, a proposed $30,000 for improvements in grounds and $40,000 for golf course parking lot maintenance. The Aldermen stated in their discussions that these are two areas where no money was spent in last years budget.

“There are shingles falling off the roof at the golf course, there is a hole in the golf cart shed that needs to be repaired, there is a fence that needs to be replaced. There are various repairs needed at the golf course,” said Marzal. Ultimately, the appropriation was voted down 8 to 5 by the City Council.

Going forward, City Council has until the last day in March to pass an appropriation and have it on file in the office of the county clerk to be in compliance with the law, according to the Mayor of Blue Island, Domingo F. Vargas.

“We have time to make this happen by the next City Council meeting. Our next City Council is March 27 so I think there is ample time for all of us to continue reviewing it and making this happen,” said Blue Island Alderman for the 6th Ward, Jairo Frausto.

Blue Island City Council will reconvene on March 27 to once again attempt to pass an appropriation for the city. To view a calendar of upcoming meetings and meeting agendas visit www.blueisland.org.

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