Village Notes: Meter Reader Job Opening, Ten Tips for Understanding the '12 Budget

The following is a collection of announcements from the official Western Springs Village website:

Employment opportunity: A job opportunity is open with the Village for someone who enjoys "a high volume of walking in the outdoors" and likes having very flexible work hours! The Village of Western Springs is seeking a qualified water-meter reader for the Finance Department. Pay is $11/hour, 30-40 hours per week. The employment application is available at the Village website.

2012 budget message: A stylized, graphical version of the 2012 Village Budget (passed by the Board of Trustees on Dec. 19) is now available at on the Village website, along with a budget message from Village Manager Pat Higgins including "The Manager’s Top Ten List for Understanding the FY 2012 Budget."

Tree collection: If your holiday/Christmas tree is still hanging around (the first Village pickup was on Wednesday,) it's not too late to have it conveniently disposed of. Trees can be laid by the curb for free pickup on Wednesday (Jan. 10). They must be free of all garnish, tinsel and adornments.

Update on the water plant: Construction on the water plant at 614 Hillgrove Avenue is underway to transform its filtration into a reverse-osmosis system. During the construction, there are a few differences in the water residents will recieve. Water is still being filtered and dreated, but is not being softened. It will also contain a floride level of a level slightly above that which is known to cause dental fluorosis in some adolescents. Read the full update here.

WSMRC seeking volunteers: The Western Springs Medical Reserve Corps is seeking volunteers willing to join them in keeping the Village prepared for emergencies. Volunteers do not need to know medicine or be in a medical field; all types of volunteers are necessary and welcomed. The WSMRC is next meeting on Jan. 11 at Village Hall.

Neighborhood Watch program: The Western Springs Police Department is looking to expand its popular Neighborhood Watch program to more blocks. If your block isn't a part of the program and you're interested, please contact WSPD Officer Danielle Stevens.