Perkins finalizes 2023 budget

PERKINS TWP. — During a recent public meeting, Perkins Township trustees approved the government's 2023 everyday operating budget, totaling about $4.6 million. Also known as the general fund, it's an account covering costs for some of the most important services Perkins provides. This would include operations for park maintenance, recreation programs, cemetery upkeep, infrastructure initiatives and more. The general fund, largely backed by local taxpayers, also covers salaries for township employees to carry out these services. In total, Perkins employs about 80 full-time and 20 part-time people. But it's a separate account when compared to other funds, namely ones for Perkins' levies, such as police, fire and roads. They generate their own separate income sources from local taxpayers. Altogether, in 2022, they totaled about $7.89 million. Local taxpayers mostly front these costs as well. When adding up all township accounts, levies included, Perkins is operating with about $18.3 million in 2023, township administrator Gary Boyle said. Focusing on 4 factors Figures for the general fund, $4.6 million, and the overall budget, $18.3 million, represent record figures, according to finances provided by Perkins Township. Boyle provided four major takeaways to better understand Perkins' overall financial picture: 1. Lodging tax represents a major income source. It's a 3% fee tacked onto a bill for anyone staying at a Perkins-based hotel, motel or home-like setting, typically advertised on websites such as Airbnb. In 2022, the amount totaled $1.23 million. 2. The largest expense circles back to salaries. They collectively total about $755,000 with fringe benefits equaling $247,000. 3. The budget provides for continued operations of all township departments. "Budget funding enables the township to provide a wide range of services." 4. The budget set aside about $1 million for various upgrades. This would include park improvements, specifically installing new playground equipment at Strickfaden and Leisure 2 parks; buying a new leaf truck; installing sidewalks in various neighborhoods; assisting low-income residents with home repairs; providing for recreational activities, including its annual youth baseball league; strengthening its outdoor recreational programming and more. "The ability to continue to provide services that the community deserves and expects is possible through voter-approved levies for road improvements, police protection and fire protection and EMS services," Boyle said. Boyle noted how, "The board of trustees is very appreciative of community support for those important levies." "Those levies along with the general fund enable the township to provide essential services and make community improvements, thereby improving our quality of life, encouraging business retention and recruitment as well as ensuring that the community is attractive to new residents," he said. By the numbers Here's a look at Perkins' budget numbers in recent years: Year &emsp;&emsp;General fund &emsp;Overall amount 2023 &emsp;&emsp;$4.6 million &emsp;&emsp;$18.3 million 2022 &emsp;&emsp;$4.1 million &emsp;&emsp;$17 million 2021 &emsp;&emsp;$3.2 million &emsp;&emsp;$15.1 million 2020 &emsp;&emsp;$3.2 million &emsp;&emsp;$12.7 million 2019 &emsp;&emsp;$3.3 million &emsp;&emsp;$14.3 million 2018 &emsp;&emsp;$2.7 million &emsp;&emsp;$13.1 million Note: All figures rounded Source: Perkins fiscal office