Champaign Budget Reflects Hard Times but No Layoffs

The city of Champaign isn't planning any major construction projects or improvements in the next budget year - but it doesn't plan any layoffs either.

However, the city still expects revenue to fall about $3.5 million short of needs, so it's cut about two and a half million dollars from the proposal for fiscal year 2011. That's not as deep as the six million dollars cut last year, but Champaign finance director Richard Schnuer says none of those cuts are being restored either.

"It's been a difficult year for us as well as for people in the community who are suffering the impacts," Schnuer said. "We've sure tried to continue to provide the services that contribute to the high quality of life in the city. And we hope that we did make those choices -- if not, we're happy to hear from people."

The proposed cuts in the $67 million general fund budget mainly involve jobs that won't be filled once current employees retire or leave.

The Champaign city council gets its first formal look at the budget Tuesday night - it'll also be available at the city building and the Champaign Public library.