Evanston Takes Veterans Day Off Without Pay

EVANSTON, IL — On Veteran's Day 2017, most Evanston city offices and public facilities will be closed for an unpaid furlough day to save money as part of plans approved by the City Council to plug a hole in its budget.

Evanston faces a deficitt of $6.1 million, and the Nov. 10 furlough day is projected to save the city $120,000. Other cost-cutting proposals from City Manager Wall Bobkiewicz include the elimination of about 28 full-time city positions, an increase in property taxes and the reorganizing of existing departments.

All city employees who were are not scheduled to work on Nov. 10 will have their hours reduced from their vacation bank, according to a City of Evanston news release. Depending on their contracts, those who must work on the day with either have their hours reduced or choose another unpaid day off.

Operations will continue at the water plant and the police and fire departments, but all non-essential city employees will be on unpaid leave for the day. Trash and recycling pickups will carry on as normal, according to the release.

Offices at the Morton Civic Center (except for building tenants), recreation centers and all Evanston Public Library locations will be closed. However, the 311 service will be open, as well as the Robert Crown Center, Fleetwood-Jourdain Center and Mason Park preschool/daycare and after-school care.

Despite being a unpaid furlough day, Veteran's Day is not a parking holiday, so all regular parking fees must be paid.

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