During Monday night's board meeting, the Park Forest Board of Trustees approved the Village's fiscal year 2025-2026 budget, which outlines over $20.4 million in planned capital improvements. These improvements will focus on infrastructure, sustainability initiatives, and downtown revitalization.
The proposed budget includes significant spending on street repairs, upgrades to the water and sewer systems, police and fire equipment, facility renovations, and environmental efforts. Village leaders emphasize that this plan aims to support long-term community development while maintaining essential services.
Infrastructure Improvements: A Priority
Public Works projects make up the majority of the capital plan. This includes more than $800,000 allocated for road maintenance and $100,000 for sidewalk improvements. Through the Motor Fuel Tax Fund, the Village plans to resurface Forest/Norwood Boulevard for $3.3 million and Westwood/Norwood Drive for $335,257.
The Water Fund proposes $8.2 million in spending, which features a significant $800,000 water main replacement project in collaboration with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Sewer Fund is also budgeted at $1,377,253 for sewer lining and upgrades to lift stations throughout the Village. The Village also plans to spend $232,000 on fleet replacements, including pickup trucks and a dump truck.
Investments in Parks, Sustainability, Buildings, and Green Initiatives
The Recreation, Parks, and Community Health Department will see approximately $280,000 in capital spending. This funding is earmarked for new walking paths, ADA-compliant equipment, and Central Park and Freedom Hall renovations. Also, a $3.5 million renovation of the Aqua Center is included in the 2025-2026 budget.
Furthermore, the Village invests $55,000 in sustainability programs, including rain gardens, native landscaping, and community gardening. The Recreation, Parks, and Community Health Department will purchase a new pickup truck and a skid-steer loader totaling $130,000 for its vehicle and heavy equipment fleet.
Building and grounds improvements are also planned for several facilities, including Village Hall, the Public Works garage, and both the fire and police stations, with a total budget of $499,000.
Enhancements for DownTown Park Forest
Village officials propose nearly $943,000 for improvements in DownTown Park Forest. This investment includes tenant build-outs, public restrooms, and the construction of a pavilion on the Village Green. Village staff aim to continue transforming downtown into a hub for businesses, events, and community life.
Planned Upgrades for Police and Fire Departments
The Park Forest Police Department is set to receive $119,000 for technology upgrades, including tasers and body cameras, and $194,000 for vehicle replacements and equipment for Police vehicles.
The Fire Department will receive $108,450 for new bunker gear and station repairs and $45,000 for a new utility vehicle.
Five-Year Outlook and Next Steps
The $20.4 million for capital projects in FY 2025-26 is part of a larger five-year capital plan, which will gradually decrease to $13.3 million by FY 2026-27. Funding will come from general funds, grants, and dedicated capital improvement revenues. The FY 2025-26 budget does not include an increase in property taxes; however, the Village plans to implement a proposed 1% local grocery tax, set to take effect on January 1, 2026, to offset the state's grocery tax phase-out.
Public workshops have been held over the last several weeks before the Village Board finalizes and adopts the budget.
What Residents Should Know
The proposed budget aims to improve roads, parks, and public safety services while maintaining fiscal stability. Village leaders assert that the plan reflects long-term priorities focused on infrastructure investment, sustainability, and economic development.