City Manager Wally Bobkiewicz has released the proposed budget for the City of Evanston’s 2017 Fiscal Year, which runs from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017.

The total proposed budget is $303,942,239, which includes all funds and inter-fund transfer expenses. The baseline General Fund proposed budget is balanced and is projected to have $113,674,325 in revenues and $112,136,576 in expenditures for a baseline surplus of $1,537,749. The 2017 Proposed Budget Transmittal Letter includes additional revenues of $5.2 million and additional expenses of $6.6 million above the baseline for consideration during the City Council’s budget discussion process. The budget includes a proposed 2.4% increase in the City’s share of Evanston property taxes to accommodate additional recommended spending on Police and Fire pensions and General Assistance Fund program increases. This proposed budget also includes a 6% increase in the City Water Rate, which is completely offset by a 3% decrease in the City’s Sewer Rate. As the debt in the Sewer Fund has been paid off, the City is reducing this rate, however, the Water Fund requires funding for major capital improvements over the next several years. These fee changes will have no impact to the combined water/sewer bill.

The budget includes the proposed consolidation of two positions in the City Manager’s Office, however, since one position is currently vacant no layoff is anticipated. Also included in the budget is a new Equity and Empowerment Coordinator position. The City is diligently moving forward to address issues of equity in service delivery through the use of the STAR Communities evaluation system, and this new position will provide support to ensure that the City is delivering services in an equitable and sustainable manner.

The 2017 Budget and Transmittal Memo and Proposed Budget document can be found at cityofevanston.org/budget. The annual budget is a policy document that sets the financial course for the City of Evanston and defines the service priorities provided to the community. It is the culmination of months of effort by the entire City staff, as well as residents, to balance available resources with the actual and desired services required by Evanston residents, businesses and visitors.

“The prevailing economic climate remains stable, however, the State remains an area of concern for the City of Evanston. The State of Illinois has a fiscal year from July 1 to June 30. At time of publication, the State continues to operate without an annual budget for the second consecutive year,” said Evanston City Manager Wally Bobkiewicz.  “Although the 2017 Proposed Budget is balanced, an additional $3.7 million in potential reductions and revenue adjustments have been identified pending State budget announcements.”

The City of Evanston’s 2017 Proposed Budget will be formally presented to the Evanston City Council on Monday, October 17, 7 p.m., in the James C. Lytle City Council Chambers. Residents are also invited to attend a public hearing on the budget on Saturday, October 29, at 9 a.m., in the Council Chambers.

Residents can provide their input on the 2017 Proposed Budget through any of the following channels:

Email: budgetinquiries@cityofevanston.org

Mail: City Manager’s Office, 2100 Ridge Ave., Evanston, IL 60201

Phone/Text: 847-448-4311

Facebook: facebook.com/cityofevanston

Twitter: twitter.com/cityofevanston

For more information about the 2017 Proposed Budget, visit cityofevanston.org/budget or call/text 847-448-4311. For convenience, residents may simply dial 3-1-1 in Evanston.