As 2019 winds down, Watseka leaders are talking about expenses . And with budgetary meetings upcoming for the new fiscal year in May, timing calls for serious talks to find ways to control the bottom line.

Mayor John Allhands says the Council has come to terms about the costs involved in taking back the Water & Sewer Program. It’s a lot of money and city made some good, future investments in the last few months adding rolling stock for the police department and adding the K-9 to law enforcement efforts.

Allhands said the Council’s been very diligent about holding the line…

“We’ve taken some big steps already. The Council reduced the bond from $3-million to $1.5 for a new building,” Allhands said. “We are onboard to watch our spending.”

There was talk earlier of a sales tax hike. An estimated $32,000 shortfall now stirs talk of other options; a combination of ways to cut expenses …

“I think all the input from aldermen will keep us on track to tighten our belt,” the mayor adds.

Tuesday night, the Council approved transfers from the general fund to Park, Liability Insurance , audit and IMRF funds to keep things in-check. The mayor says there’s been good progress and he’s confident the Council will stay on track in holding the line.

94.1 WGFA