Elmhurst Official Changes Tone On Budget

Elmhurst IL

08 December, 2020

9:31 AM

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ELMHURST, IL — The Elmhurst alderwoman who leads the city's finance committee had a change in tone about the city's budget for the next year. A week ago, Ward 4 Alderwoman Noel Talluto said she was disappointed in the city's budget proposal, which she called "status quo" and "unacceptable." It would put the city on a path toward higher taxes and fees, she said. However, at Monday's City Council meeting, Talluto was more positive about the budget, but still said changes needed to be made long-term. She encouraged council members to vote for the document. "I wanted to take the opportunity to thank city staff who worked very diligently throughout this budget season," Talluto said. "It's an important roadmap that we have in front of us for the people who every day safely operate and serve our city." Last week, she promised to soon present ideas to the council to reverse the city's current budget course. It appears she is following through on her pledge. At Monday's meeting, most council members joined her in proposing city committees examine six areas where the city could rein in spending. Talluto said she was pleased to see "broad support" from the council for sending budget-cutting issues to committees. "I look forward to new ideas that could change the bottom line of the budget that we are considering tonight and together positioning Elmhurst on even stronger financial footing for the future," Talluto said. While Talluto was critical of the budget last week, she never said she would vote against it. She also praised city staff last week for its handling of finances during the pandemic. The council voted unanimously for the budget Monday. It needed to approve a budget soon because the new fiscal year starts Jan. 1.