Village deficit pegged at $904K
After accounting for revenues received through the end of June, Forest Park’s municipal budget for 2008 has run a deficit of some $904,000, according to a financial report viewed by the council July 14. Village officials had projected prior to the end of the fiscal year on April 30 that the budget would see a deficit, however, there were disagreements over the severity of the projected shortfall. The finance director once pegged the deficit at $1.6 million, though several council members and the village administrator disagreed with that projection. In early May the commissioner of accounts and finance, Rory Hoskins, projected the village would see a year-end deficit of $700,000..
Police to buy cars, motorcycles
Village council members authorized the police department to purchase three 2009 Ford Crown Victorias and a pair of Harley Davidson motorcycles Monday at their July 14 meeting. The cars will cost the village $21,215 each. That price, through a North Riverside Ford dealership, actually beats the lowest bid obtained by the state. The difference in price will save Forest Park $870 on the total purchase.
The motorcycles will be purchased for $13,070 each. The department has leased a pair of motorcycles in previous years for $1 each per year, but that figure is being increased by the dealership to $3,600 each. The motorcycles will be obtained using funds from the U.S. Custom Seizure Account.
Annual duck race set for July 19
A nonprofit group benefiting disabled residents and their families will host its 10th annual rubber duck race this weekend to help raise money for the organization. The July 19 event begins at Proksa Park, 3001 Wisconsin Ave. in Berwyn with a mass sendoff for the rubber racers. Participants can donate to the host organization, West Suburban Special Recreation Association, by sponsoring a duck.
The race begins at 5:45 p.m. and the 10 fastest ducks will win a prize. The fundraiser is part of the Berwyn Park District’s Carnival of Fun, which runs from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on July 21 at the same location.
Non-residents see spike in park fee
Dog owners from outside Forest Park will see a hefty increase in the cost of a license authorizing them to bring their pets to dog parks within the community. An ordinance adopted by the village council July 14 raises the $15 fee for non-residents to $50. Any dog owner with more than one animal can purchase subsequent dog park licenses for $5 each, according to the ordinance. That figure, too, is an increase over the $3 that was previously charged. The fee increase takes effect immediately
