The Public Works, Properties and Sustainability Committee approved moving roughly $40,000 in recently freed funds into street and sidewalk maintenance rather than holding the money for the 2026 budget.

Public works staff told the committee the additional funds came from recent sales of property and equipment and from project savings. Staff said earlier this year bids for pulverization work came back higher than anticipated, and the recommended reallocation reflects finalized project costs and other finalized project lines.

A committee member asked whether spending the extra money now would reduce the 2026 budget needs; staff said the 2025 projects are largely complete and the village anticipates being under budget on several lines by an estimated $60,000–$75,000 overall. Staff presented the committee with options: roll funds into the 2026 budget or invest in additional street and sidewalk work this year. Staff said they preferred to deploy the funds into community work rather than sit on them.

A motion to reallocate the funds to village street and sidewalk maintenance was made and seconded and the committee approved the motion by voice vote.

Why it matters: The action directs one-time funds into maintenance activities—chip sealing, crack filling and sidewalk repair—measures intended to extend pavement life and reduce future capital costs.

Next steps: Staff will prepare a budget amendment to present to the village board for approval and will schedule the additional maintenance work for this summer and fall as procurement and scheduling allow.