roughly $10.6 million less than its current budget while maintaining existing services.

“We’ve maintained a high expectation of being efficient and lean,” Cronin said. “It’s not easy. I’m proud that we have been able to produce a document with a balanced budget in a very, very difficult, challenging and uncertain environment.”

An estimated $53.5 million will be set aside for capital improvements, including stormwater, drainage and road construction projects.

DuPage also will continue its fight against heroin. The proposed budget allocates $100,000 to pay for initiatives, including doubling the number of “RxBox” safe medication disposal kiosks countywide.

The proposed budget also sets aside $50,000 for a new “Clean and Lien” program, which will remove, repair, or demolish abandoned buildings on foreclosed properties. The goal is to make it possible for the land to be sold or developed.

“We will eliminate these community eyesores, clean up the local environment and immediately improve neighborhoods, benefiting local property owners,” Cronin said.

DuPage County Board members have until Nov. 30 to approve a budget for the 2017 fiscal year, which begins Dec. 1.

In the meantime, board committees will review the proposed spending plan and suggest changes.