"I think it's ludicrous." That was the response Naperville City Councilman Jim Boyajian gave The Sun when contacted for a story (Sun. 4.27) that spotlighted the $4,950 that is budgeted for magazine and newspaper subscriptions for council members. That amount is the second largest expense in the city's 2008-2009 Mayor and City Council budget (cell phone allowances are first at $5,400). Boyajian, who reaches into his own pocket to pay for his reading materials, is not alone among council members in thinking this is a waste of money - especially in these cash-strapped times. Councilman John Rosanova wanted to do away with the allowance - that accounts for almost 12% of the $41,475 Mayor and City Council budget - entirely, but said talks never took hold during last month's budget workshops. So, do you think this is fiscally responsible, or should the Naperville City Council receive this allowance to keep up on their reading. The comment line is open.
City Council: April 2008 Archives
In Sunday's Sun (4.20) we feature an informative piece about how the Naperville Police Department plans to cope with a City Council directive to cut overtime spending by 5 percent, to $3 million this year. The comprehensive investigation also looks at the amount of money officers rack up in OT.Though the dollar numbers look big, the annual percentage is actually lower than one of our neighboring municipalities that is comparable in size. We also look at the cops and how they can make money working various summer festivals etc. and where those dollars in police overtime actually come from. The answers may surprise you. A natural reaction might be to say, well, why not just hire more cops instead of paying stiff overtime? That question is answered, too. We're curious what you think - since it's your tax dollars at work - and whether you think the NPD can be successful in following the Council's mandate to cut overtime spending and maintain the quality of public safety Napervillians are accustomed to. Let us know right here.
The City Council has reversed itself and undone a restrictive noise ordinance that was passed last year. Some downtown establishments can resume having live music outdoors this summer. What do you think of the latest change?
