Mayor prioritizes continued fiscal responsibility

By Sean Barron

Cooperation between the village and its schools is key to village success, leaders said.

McDONALD — Despite tough economic times in 2008, village government was able to maintain fiscal stability and responsibility.

Staying fiscally prudent is among the top priorities Mayor Glenn W. Holmes anticipates will be played out this year.

During council’s meeting Wednesday, Holmes noted that the village finished the year roughly $75,000 in the black. Every department was able to operate at or below budget, the mayor pointed out.

Another top goal, Holmes continued, is to enhance the school system, in part by voting for a levy that will likely appear on the ballot in May. Residents will need to make certain sacrifices to keep a holistic system intact, Holmes noted.

“We have to work productively, and we have to work uniformly,” the mayor said, adding that many families searching for a place to live look at an area’s schools, community services and park programs.

Elected officials and school personnel enjoy a close relationship, something that must be maintained for both to continue to be successful, added Councilman Peter D. Sudol.

Also discussed were the mayor’s appointments for 2009, which included Ed Winterbauer as fire chief; Robert Zajack Jr., assistant fire chief; and James W. Border, building and zoning inspector.

Annual appointees to council were Sudol as president pro tempore; and committee chairmen Michael O’Brien, safety; Brian D. Fisher, finance and capital improvement; Scott W. Seitz, service; and B.J. Farr, parks and buildings.