Highway committee sends FY '26 budget to finance committee after brief discussion of MFT and fund balances

LaSALLE COUNTY — The LaSalle County Highway Committee reviewed budget worksheets for FY '25 and FY '26, discussed fund balances and revenue trends, and approved a motion to send the FY '26 budget to the county financial committee.

County staff described current cash balances in the Highway Fund (around $1.0–1.1 million after accounting for upcoming payroll and payables) and noted anticipated remaining bills and reimbursements that will affect year-end balances. Staff explained Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) allotments rise and fall with vehicle travel and registration trends; at the time of the meeting MFT receipts were roughly $50,000 above the same point last year and staff projected the county could end the year approximately $100,000 above last year’s total.

Nut graf: Committee members asked whether federal reimbursements and project mix would change the county’s net position for FY '26; staff said reimbursements depend on whether federal projects are active in a given year and that trends vary by project mix. After discussion, committee members (James and Tom) moved and seconded to forward the budget to the finance committee; the motion carried.

The committee also reviewed bridge and matching fund budgets, noting carryover projects totaling roughly $1.7 million for county and township projects and a proposed use of cash balances to close FY '26 budgets where necessary. Staff said township levy reimbursements are still expected before year-end, which should bring the matching fund balances positive. The committee did not adopt further budget changes at the meeting; the packet will go to the finance committee for further review.