Elmhurst lays out $309 million, five‑year capital plan; police station and wastewater upgrades top list

City staff presented the 2026 five‑year capital expenditure budget to the Elmhurst City Council on Aug. 18, outlining roughly $309.2 million in planned projects through 2030 and describing priority projects, funding sources and next steps in the budget process. City Manager and department directors said the capital expenditure budget (CAB) identifies projects costing $25,000 or more and includes major categories such as municipal utilities, streets, TIF projects and facility improvements. The municipal utility fund and general fund represent the largest shares of the plan, officials said. Top projects called out include a proposed $48 million police station replacement at the current site; continued wastewater reclamation facility work (Bundle 5 clarifier project and Bundle 6 future work to meet federal and state phosphorus treatment requirements); street resurfacing and reconstruction; a new sidewalk construction program on one side of streets where none exists; and Phase 3 of the Public Works Garage, estimated at $10.4 million but currently unfunded. Director remarks noted that the federal/state phosphorus compliance deadline was pushed from 2031 to 2038, which allowed some relief in near-term borrowing and rate pressure for the municipal utility fund. Staff also reported the city is in the queue for nearly $50 million in federal and state grants tied to projects in the CAB. Funding sources explained in the presentation include general obligation bonds, IEPA loans, municipal utility revenues (water and sewer rates), TIF increment and federal/state grants. Staff said about $98.1 million of the five‑year plan would be funded with future debt, including the police station and other large items; the Public Works Garage Phase 3 is listed as unfunded and requires a revenue source before moving forward. Council members asked clarifying questions about project timing and specific items such as the Riverside/Route 83 bulb project and Prairie Path/York Street safety improvements. Staff said those projects are scheduled in later years (for example, the Riverside/Route 83 bulb is planned for 2028) and reminded the council that dates are approximate and subject to funding availability. Process and schedule: staff said department budget reviews continue, the proposed 2026 operating budget will be compiled in early October and council budget review meetings will follow. Public committees, including Public Works and Finance, will conduct additional detailed reviews.