Which Elmhurst Events Cost Taxpayers The Most Money

ELMHURST, IL – Elmhurst events such as parades, festivals and races cost taxpayers money, for which city officials are seeking an accounting.

Some groups reimburse the city for part of the costs, while others pay nothing.

The expenses involve the police, fire and public works departments.

A couple of months ago, Mayor Scott Levin and Alderman Mike Brennan asked for an analysis.

In a memo, they asked for a city committee to establish "clear and consistent" expectations for future events.

Their request came amid the city's budget problems, with the annual shortfall expected to increase over the next few years.

On Thursday, the city released its study of event costs in preparation for Monday's meeting of the City Council's public safety committee.

The biggest expense for the city is the St. Patrick's Day parade. Last year's parade cost the city $38,566; no expenses were reimbursed.

According to the analysis, the police department deployed 43 officers – about two-thirds of its force – to the parade. That took up the majority of the city's costs.

For the Rock the Block last September, the city devoted about $53,000 of its resources. Police and public works each reported about half the costs, with the fire department making up a small fraction.

The organizers picked up all the public works costs, leaving about $24,000 for the city to cover.

The Turkey Trot race involved about $27,000 in city costs. The city paid about $8,500 and was reimbursed for the rest.

According to the analysis, many events paid nothing to the city:

• Spring Road Pet Parade
• Memorial Day Parade
• Cycling Classic
• Park Palooza
• Craft Beer Fest
• BOO-tiful Saturday
• City Centre Holiday Family Fun Day
• Elmhurst Park District Fall Fest
• Umbrella Sky and Central Business District tree lights