Campton Township prepares April referendum for open space funding

Under the soft glow of the village hall lights, the Campton Hills Village Board convened for a crucial meeting, addressing financial obligations and future projects that could shape the community's infrastructure. The discussions were marked by a blend of optimism and caution as board members navigated the complexities of budget management and project funding.

One of the key topics was the ongoing financial obligations related to past road projects. Board members highlighted the lingering costs associated with the Bridal Roundabout, completed four years ago, and the still-unsettled payments for Anderson Road from 2022. The conversation underscored the importance of transparency in budget reporting, as members acknowledged that the village's fund balance might not be as robust as it appears due to encumbered funds tied to these past liabilities.

Trustee Ed Muncie took the floor to propose a resolution for an engineering contract aimed at overseeing construction observation for the 2025 CACOM SCP projects. The motion received unanimous support from the board, signaling a commitment to advancing infrastructure improvements despite the financial challenges discussed earlier.

As the meeting progressed, the board turned its attention to future planning, particularly regarding a proposed referendum for the Campton Township Open Space, set for the April ballot. While the details were deferred for a later discussion, the anticipation of this referendum hinted at the community's ongoing efforts to balance development with the preservation of open spaces.

In a forward-looking move, the board also considered a design engineering contract with HR Green to secure funding for 2026 road construction projects. With guaranteed grant funding of $750,000 for a significant roadway project, the village is poised to enhance its infrastructure while navigating the fiscal constraints of the current year.

As the meeting wrapped up, the board's discussions reflected a community grappling with the realities of budget management while remaining committed to future growth and development. The decisions made in this meeting will undoubtedly resonate in the village's ongoing efforts to maintain and improve its infrastructure, ensuring that Campton Hills continues to thrive.