SAUK VILLAGE | Sauk Village officials have proposed a 5 percent cut of its overall work force to help offset its almost $670,000 deficit.

At a public hearing of the 2010 budget, proposals included laying off one community service officer, one code enforcement officer and one person in the administration department.

Other cost-cutting measures call for a new insurance contract with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois. The yearly deductible of $100 would be increased to $250 and would be charged to the more than 60 full-time village employees to save $112,000 a year.

A proposal to give all village employees a five-day unpaid furlough, which would save almost $48,000 a year, met with resistance. Trustees believe the unions could not come to an agreement by the time the budget must be approved by month's end.

The cost-cutting measures met with concern from village residents.

Deborah Turner, who said her son was recently chased by dogs, is particularly worried about dog control. Currently, the community service officer is the only person trained to handle dogs.

"Mind you, when we talk about services for the people, you are talking about safety of the people," Turner said.

Other options to rein in spending, Finance Director Beverly Sterrett said, are for better communication between department heads and her office.

This would let Sterrett know about necessary expenditures and make her aware of the expenses before the invoices come in, she said.

Among current capital expenditures under review is $28,000 for the annual lease purchase payment of a new street sweeper and a security camera system for the Edward W. Paesel Senior Center. Further research was ordered for the necessity of the security camera.

Village officials are well aware of the budget crisis amid the economic downturn.

Trustee Rosie Williams called the officials to "be more realistic with our revenues and our expenditures"

Trustee David Hanks reminded the administration that "we are in hard times. Remember we are not the only community in deficit." Hanks believes a sensitive approach should be taken when addressing the issue.

As for community services, Police Chief Thomas Lacheta assures emergency calls will be responded to in the quickest manner possible, but he wants to be realistic with people given the circumstances.