Thursday, October 16, 2008
Chicago Tribune
by Hal Dardick

At a time when the state, county City Hall and the CTA are asking taxpayers for more money, Cook County Forest Preserve District leaders are pitching a new spending plan without a tax increase.

Board President Todd Stroger proposed a $194 million forest preserve district budget today that increases spending by $17 million.

Instead of asking for higher property taxes, however, the district is looking at dipping into reserve capital and land acquisition funds that went unspent in prior years, as well as funds provided by foundations that back the Brookfield Zoo and Chicago Botanical Garden, said district Chief Financial Officer Marlo Kemp.

"I decided that, given the current climate of our economy, it was best for the district to forgo such an increase in the coming year," Stroger said.

District officials also hope to attract a concessionaire this winter who would offer activities like ice skating, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing at five different locations.

And, in an effort to promote greener living, everyone who buys a picnic permit will receive recycling bags. "If, as our new slogan says, we have truly been green since 1914,' we must ensure that we continue to promote such practices in 2009," Stroger said.