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Grundy County land use committee reviews FY26 budget, department activity and upcoming projects
Summary
Land Use staff outlined the department's FY26 budget proposals, reporting a 5.5% overall expense increase, several line-item changes (ZBA printing and advertising up 33.3%), higher-than-expected revenue to date, and multiple community events and enforcement actions in progress.
Land Use staff presented the department’s proposed fiscal year 2026 budget and an update on department activity at a Grundy County Land Use Committee meeting.
Mary Lynn, Land Use staff, said “land use overall, the increase was 5.5%” and described line-item changes including salary adjustments and higher association dues. She said the Zoning Board of Appeals budget saw an increase in printing and advertising of “33.3%” and that overall ZBA costs rose by about 5%.
Mary Lynn also addressed revenue projections and operational items. She reported that e-waste revenue estimates were reduced because fewer televisions have come through the county’s two annual e-waste events. She said department revenue year-to-date was outperforming predictions: “right now at 50%, we were a 108% over what was predicted.” Mary Lynn said she recommended increasing the revenue estimate by 8% as a conservative adjustment. On aggregate she reported that “overall, revenue for fiscal year 26 went up by 7 onethree” (as stated in the meeting).
Staff described how increased single-family home development can raise school-donation receipts and noted that school-donation funds go directly to local schools rather than the county general fund; staff said that line increased by about 33%.
On department operations, staff reported a busy building-permit workload and an uptick in property-maintenance complaints, some of which are referred to Russ for further enforcement. Mary Lynn described the county’s compliance process: initial contact, two letters for nonresponsive property owners and escalation to Russ, who sends a letter on the state’s attorney letterhead to encourage compliance.
Staff also highlighted community events and upcoming activities: a children’s used-book drive that received two truckloads of books from the Coal City Library and will provide some materials to Arcadia Nursing Home; a free tire event July 17–19 at the Lisonbee recycling facility; and staff participation at a local fishing derby at the request of state legislators. Mary Lynn said two solar firms, Brisbane and Brisbane Solar North, will go to the Zoning Board of Appeals in July.
Committee members were advised that the Development Director’s report was in the meeting packet but the director was not present. Mary Lynn said this committee was the last of the department-level budget presentations and that department heads, the county board chair, the finance committee and vice chairs will work on adjustments before finalizing the FY26 budget.
No formal committee votes on the budget were recorded during the meeting; the discussion served as the department’s review before finance and county board consideration.
