In person or online, you can review and comment on the Illinois Tollway's Tentative 2011 Budget between now and Nov. 15.
The balanced budget is based on conservative revenue projections, including an estimated $680 million in expenditures. The budget also cut operating expenses by 3.9 percent, or $10.3 million, from the original 2010 Budget — the first reduction of this kind in the Tollway's history. The Tentative 2011 Budget also includes the Tollway's 2011 Capital Program, which outlines $278.9 million for capital projects. It also allocates $192 million for the seventh year of the Congestion-Relief Program, which, in 2011, will focus on roadway maintenance and repairs on the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90), and planning for future improvements scheduled on I-90 and the Tri-State Tollway (I-294).
"Now more than ever before, this agency is committed to increased accountability to our customers," said Executive Director Kristi Lafleur. "We encourage the public to take part in our budget process and welcome comments and suggestions that will help us identify new management and operating efficiencies. There is an open seat at the table for our customers and we want to hear from them."
All public comments submitted by Nov. 15 will be presented to the Tollway Board of Directors at its Nov. 18 meeting. The Board will have the opportunity to review and consider the public input before adoption of the final 2011 Budget in December.
"The Tollway will live within its means," said Illinois Tollway Board Chair Paula Wolff, who also serves as a member of MPC's Executive Committee. "The Board believes this is a responsible budget. We look forward to hearing from the public."
Here are six different ways you can comment on the Illinois Tollway's 2011 Budget:
Review a hard copy of the Tentative 2011 Budget and submit comments by mail. A copy of the Tentative 2011 Budget may be requested by contacting the Tollway at (630) 241-6800. Comments may be mailed to the Illinois Tollway, 2700 Ogden Ave., Downers Grove, IL 60515.
Review the Tentative 2011 Budget and submit comments through the Tollway's web site. A copy of the Tentative 2011 Budget is posted on the Tollway's web site and comments may be submitted through the site.
Attend the public hearing. On Monday, Nov. 15, at 4 p.m., the Tollway will hold a public hearing at its headquarters at 2700 Ogden Ave. in Downers Grove. The public is invited to attend in person, and public comment will be accepted at the hearing, orally or in writing.
Participate in the web cast of the public hearing. The Nov. 15 public hearing also will stream live from the Tollway's web site. Participants attending via the web cast can send their comments to be read by the moderator during the hearing or request the virtual comment be submitted as a written comment.
Attend the Open House. On Tuesday, Nov. 9, from 3 to 6 p.m., the Tollway will host an open house at the Des Plaines Oasis on the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway in Des Plaines. The open house format will allow the public to view displays and a budget overview, as well as ask questions of representatives from the Illinois Tollway. Public comment will be accepted in writing or can be shared orally for the record with a court reporter.
Attend the webinar. The Tollway is offering a virtual presentation of the Tentative 2011 Budget to allow the public to access the financial information at their convenience, 24/7. The webinar will be available on the Tollway's web site and features PowerPoint slides with narration.