Village Manager's Message
Budgeting is a word that means many things to many people. Budgeting in the governance sense means planning, status updates, and forecasting. The planning portion for the Village of Villa Park takes many months of looking at several factors that influence budget preparation. We know universally that salaries, benefits, and pension obligations take a large portion of the budgets in the general fund. If we did not honor this very important portion, we would not have the great Village staff we currently have. Projects that go beyond a one-year budget cycle are carefully planned out by Public Works, Community and Economic Development, and Parks and Recreation, depending on the nature of the project.
The amount of planning and preparation that goes into projects cannot be taken lightly. Some bids and planning that go into a Village Board Agenda packet can be well over 200 pages of necessary information the Village Board needs to make an informed decision. The entire budget process is no different in terms of providing as much information as possible so the Village Board can decide what is needed in future budgets.
Village Staff just went through budget training on the current BSA software. We understand this is the third separate budget process staff have had to adjust to in a span of three years. Staff was just supposed to “just make work” in the past two budget cycles. Understanding that a new process may cause stress with the individual Departments, we are having budget meetings much sooner so we can address any questions and concerns staff may have as they prepare their individual budgets.
Our Finance Director, Suzy Mika, is creating a budget schedule that is setting us all up for a better chance of success. We are also going to alter the “Budget 101” meeting in front of the Board to focus on highlights of the upcoming budget. In past presentations, in my humble opinion, there was too much content and information. This is going to be a true team effort, focusing on a simpler process in addition to focusing on being good stewards of the Village’s money. It is unknown at this time whether we will be in cost cutting, budget increases, or status quo as revenues are catching up to expenditures. As we correct all the sins of the past, we will have a much better idea of what direction we will take in this budget cycle. Timely communication to elected officials and to Village Staff will be crucial so our budgetary wants and needs will be in congruence with our financial health.
View the full weekly report here. All weekly and monthly reports can be found in our Document Center under Village Manager.
Mike Rivas
Village Manager
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