No Furlough Day on New Year's Eve

City workers in Evanston will not be asked to take a furlough day on New Year’s Eve.

City Manager Wally Bobkiewicz made the announcement on the city’s website on Thursday, indicating that the city will be able to conclude the 2015 financial year balanced.

This is possible, Bobkiewicz explains, because the city is expected to receive overdue motor vehicle tax from the state. The Illinois House passed a measure last week authorizing the payment of those funds, and although an impasse still exists between the House and the Senate, that is expected to be cleared up by the end of December.

Bobkiewicz did not challenges will be ahead in 2016, however, since the state has still yet to pass a budget and likely will not have one in place by the end of the year.

He warned against unnecessary spending at the end of 2015, noting a surplus could provide a much needed cushion.

“I do ask that everyone be mindful of our current financial challenges and refrain from any unnecessary purchases at the end of the year, even if some accounts are under budget,” Bobkiewicz wrote. “This careful financial management will help provide an even greater cushion for a small citywide surplus at the end of the year.”