How much did Elgin fork out for Fox Trot OT?

I am just wondering if someone could possibly answer this question: With the recent budget cuts and layoffs within the city and the suspension of some of the yearly activities, I was just wondering how much money Elgin paid out for preparation and to pay overtime for this year's Fox Trot. I think they went a little bit overboard.

Answer: As of Thursday, Elgin public information officer Susan Olafson said the city was still working on pulling together all of the expenses and revenues from the Memorial Day event. A full report should be available shortly. We will keep you posted.

In the meantime, if you have specific examples of what you mean by "a little bit overboard," please contact city reporter Mike Danahey by e-mail at mdanahey@scn1.com or by phone at 847-888-6712. The more first-hand information we have, the better we can answer your questions.

I was driving east on Route 58 just past the Jewel when they were repaving the street. It was 5 a.m. and dark out. There were no signs posted, and I drove on the road full of tar and oil, not a little bit but a large amount. My car was covered from top to bottom. Not an exaggeration. I spent over $30 and 2½ hours to take it off. Do I have some kind of recourse, or how does someone complain about this stuff? I know it is necessary, but there should have been signs or the road should have been blocked off. And then in the afternoon, the workers are detouring you right through the tar again. Please help.

Answer: Elgin public information officer Susan Olafson said the repaving of Route 58 is an Illinois Department of Transportation program. IDOT has a way to report incidents such as yours on its Web site on the following page: www.dot.state.il.us/claims/claimsinformation.asp. For more information, call the Schaumburg IDOT office at 847-705-4401.