The City of DeKalb FY11 budget was passed at the June 28 meeting of the city council. On paper, after all the amendment dust settles, the City hopes to have a few hundred thousand dollars in surplus in its operating budget at the end of the fiscal year.

Second ward alderman Tom Teresinski acknowledged the efforts put into balancing the operating budget. He then stated that the City has a structural deficit that was once again not addressed. Fifth ward alderman Ron Naylor acknowledged the former employees that were laid off and said he wouldn’t be surprised if the council wouldn’t be facing the same tough decisions next year. Fourth ward alderman Brendon Gallagher read an article that explained that Illinois posed the greatest risk to GO bond buyers in the nation. The article said Illinois was ranked only a slightly lower financial risk than Iraq. But DeKalb taxpayers need not worry about the $1.5 million dollar in bonds the City will be issuing until 2030 to pay for the early retirement buy-outs and severance packages it took to balance the FY11 operating budget. Read More...

Last month Lynn Fazekas submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to obtain the names of the city council members who are signed up for the City of DeKalb’s health insurance plan. Her request, sent to the duly-trained and designated FOIA officer (Steve Kapitan), was referred to the City’s Legal Department who denied the request, because:

The City Legal Department asserts that HIPAA prohibits the City from disclosing whether somebody even has health insurance not just the treatment somebody has received or medical information about a person.  Read More...

Times are tough and its frustrating at times but the criticism hurled about while the Egyptian Theatre Restoration Committee goes about its business of replacing the theater seats installed back in 1929 is unfounded and that makes it even more mean spirited.

The Egyptian is an anchor of downtown DeKalb. When Ron White, Gaelic Storm, Beth Fowler, the Haunted House, etc., perform the neighboring restaurants and bars are bustling. Its primary source of private revenue is rental fees. The Egyptian is utilized by more than 25 community groups each year. It is an occasional stop on the list for tour operators. The theater is also available for seminars, weddings, graduations, small parties and receptions. In addition the theater continues to show movies (classic and family films along with film festivals). The  Live Lunch Series conducted at the Downtown DeKalb Farmers’ Market has really added some pizzazz. Read More...