North Cook News

As COVID-19 continues to spread concern, cities are responding by making cuts to their expenses. 

According to Suburban Chronicle, the City of Elgin is reacting to the coronavirus economic shutdown by trimming the fat in its budget, to include wage reductions, closures of recreational facilities and special event cancellations. 

The changes include a 10% reduction of department head salaries, as well as a 5% reduction for salaried employees. Various employees have had their work cut to part-time and some are being furloughed until July 6. Among those not impacted by wage changes are fire and police personnel. 

City-sponsored events have been canceled through October, including Fish for Fun, the Fourth of July festivities, Elgin Summer Theatre, and the Nightmare of Chicago Street. 

City Manager Rick Kozal said that the city’s decision was of great importance given the reality of the virus. 

“The actions being implemented today balance our commitment to provide exceptional city services at the lowest possible cost to Elgin’s residents and businesses, with the need to reduce organizational expenses during these unprecedented economic conditions,” Kozal said. “We share in the community’s suffering and remain mindful of what will likely be a difficult road back to recovery.”

Elgin will be saving as much as $1.4 million through the changes to salaries and is additionally saving money by not filling several open positions. 

Elgin’s parks are still open, though playgrounds have been closed. Residents are welcome to exercise outdoors. 

Several improvements that were in the city’s budget, such as changes to the Festival Park, are being delayed. Additionally, the public pools and Lord Park and Wing Park are not going to be opened this year.