The public will have an opportunity to comment on the McHenry County Conservation District’s budget for the next fiscal year at a hearing scheduled for 7 p.m. May 16 in Weidrich Barn at Glacial Park, 6512 Harts Rd., Ringwood.
The district’s board tentatively approved the $6.5 million budget for fiscal 1996-97 in March. Final approval is expected in June.
Much of the district’s revenues are expected to come from its tax levy of $3.06 million, according to district officials. Nearly $1 million is expected in grants. Officials also estimate they’ll end the current fiscal year with $2.1 million in cash.
Major expenditures in the tentative budget consist of $2.1 million for land purchases, $1.2 million for salaries and wages and $1.1 million for planning and development, including improvements at many of the district’s existing sites.
“Corrections may be made to the budget over the next few months,” said conservation district Executive Director Steve Weller.
One area of discussion will likely be printing and promotional costs associated with this year’s celebration of the district’s 25th anniversary. Some board members have expressed concerns about spending $35,000 for a broadcast-quality 15-minute video.
