As local governments struggle to balance their budgets in the midst of skyrocketing public safety pension costs, municipalities across Illinois are urging Springfield lawmakers to vote in favor of reforms for police officer and firefighter pension systems before the end of the current legislative session.

Across the State, these rising costs have created staggering structural deficits that threaten future benefits and could render local police and fire retirement benefit systems financially insolvent.

Failing to address these widening unfunded liabilities will translate to higher local property taxes, cuts in essential services or public safety layoffs for local residents across the state.

“The rising pension costs are essentially unfunded mandates that have placed an unsustainable burden on municipalities, our budgets and our taxpayers who have to fund them,” said Woodridge Mayor William F. Murphy.
 
In Woodridge, the municipality’s police fund was 78% percent funded in 2000, while it was only funded at 57% percent in 2010.  This is despite taxpayer contributions of $1,069,703 in 2010 as compared to $172,026 in 2000.

Woodridge and scores of municipalities across the state have united in the Pension Fairness for Illinois Communities Coalition (PFICC), which is seeking to address dramatic increases in police and fire pension obligations that local communities must cover through property taxes.

During the week of May 20 -26, 2012 the Village of Woodridge will celebrate National Public Works Week.  This year’s theme is “Public Works: Creating a Lasting Impression.”  The purpose of this special week is to create awareness of the role of Public Works Departments; to educate young people in the community about careers in Public Works; and to recognize employees for outstanding dedication and service. 

In keeping with these goals, at the Village Board meeting on Thursday, May 10, 2012 the Mayor and Village Board proclaimed May 20-26 “National Public Works Week” in the Village of Woodridge.

Public Works Week is recognized nationally and was originally established in 1960 by President Kennedy.  His purpose was to inspire excellence and professionalism in public service and to increase citizen awareness of the vital services provided to communities.

Courageous men and women have served our country in times of conflict to protect our freedom.  Come hear from a panel that includes veterans from World War II, Korea, Viet Nam, Desert Storm, and the Global War on Terror.  Each man’s experience was unique, as was how it shaped them.  Learn about what motivated them to serve, what their experience was like, and how it has forever changed their perspective on life.  Told from differing chapters in our nation’s history, this program is certain to teach us all what it means to be an American. This presentation will take place on Wednesday, May 23, 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Woodridge Public Library, 3 Plaza Drive.

The Woodridge Diversity Committee’s Food for Thought series brings in speakers to share their life stories, followed by time for questions, answers, and discussion.  Light desserts will be served.  Please RSVP for this program by calling (630) 719-2903.  Please indicate how many people will attend from your party.  This is a free program.  Donations are accepted. 

The Community Development Department has now made driveway, patio, flatwork, fence, shed and lawn sprinkler permits available over the counter.  Individuals will have the option of waiting for their permit to be processed (typically about 15 minutes) or coming back later that day, or the next day, to pick it up.  This service is available at Village Hall from 8:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., and again from 1:00 p.m. until 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday to receive the permit on the same day.  Those applying after 3:30 p.m. will have their permit available for pick up the following business day. 
 
This is possible as long as all of the required information is included in the submittal.  Visit here to ensure that all of the relevant information is included with your permit submittal.