Elmhurst council directs creation of central fleet fund for 2026 budget

The Elmhurst City Council on Monday directed the city attorney to prepare documents to create a central fleet fund — an internal service fund to collect and manage vehicle maintenance, fuel and replacement costs across departments — effective with the 2026 budget.

The recommendation from the Finance, Affairs and Administrative Services committee passed unanimously, 14–0. Committee chair Alderman Noel P. Talutto described the fund as an accounting mechanism that “acts as a savings account” where departments contribute a steady amount annually so the city can smooth large capital swings for vehicle purchases.

Talutto said the fund is a disciplinarian budgeting tool rather than a legally restricted account. “It’s not a restricted fund,” he said, and noted the council could authorize use of fund balances for other needs in emergencies with a separate vote.

Under the plan, departments that operate vehicles will pay into the internal service fund; the fund will pay for maintenance, fuel and eventual vehicle replacement. Talutto cited benefits including less volatility in the general fund and better long‑term planning for high‑cost items such as fire apparatus.

Council members approved the committee recommendation and asked staff to prepare the necessary documents for the 2026 budget cycle.