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Machesney Park staff outline budget goals, anticipate surplus ahead of retreat
Summary
Village staff told trustees Feb. 18 that revenues from permits, state income tax and casino gaming are ahead of expectations, a $50,000 paving grant was confirmed and capital projects including Forest Hills Road reconstruction and Stones Landing expansion are planned for coming year.
MACHESNEY PARK, Ill. — Village staff told trustees on Feb. 18 that Machesney Park’s finances are stable and that they expect the current fiscal year to end with a surplus as they prepare for a budget retreat Saturday.
Shannon, a village staff member, said, “Good evening. I'm pleased to share village finances remain stable and strong.” She told trustees the village is tracking revenue gains in permits, state income tax and video-gaming and casino receipts while watching inflation-driven expense increases and changes in state distributions of local-use tax.
Why it matters: The village intends to use stronger-than-expected revenue to keep operating reserves healthy while advancing several capital projects that staff say have been long anticipated. Those projects include steps toward reconstruction of a portion of Forest Hills Road, coordination with the Illinois Department of Transportation on the Forest Hills Road and U.S. 251 intersection, and expansion of the Stones Landing boat launch and recreational area.
Village administrator James Birkler II said the administration expects continued shared revenue from the Hard Rock Casino and confirmed a $50,000 grant from Representative Cabela to support a paving project. Shannon told trustees the village also is seeing growth in tax increment financing (TIF) and business-district revenues.
Shannon summarized current budget performance: “As of January, the village was collectively at 57% across administration, executive, community development, public works, and public safety, 75% through the year. At this time, we anticipate current fiscal year ending with a surplus.” The staff presentation said the village will scale back the scope of some road projects this year to grow the fund balance in anticipation of the future reconstruction of part of Forest Hills Road.
Shannon also noted an expected reduction in local use-tax distributions from the state tied to adjustments the state is making to retain more sales tax collected from Internet sales. Trustees received a packet of draft organizational and departmental goals prepared by staff; those goals list public safety priorities, beautification of business corridors and parks, employee support and training in public works, and targeted economic development strategies.
There was no public comment during the meeting. The session concluded with a procedural motion to adjourn. Motion by Trustee Seitz, second by Trustee Braunberg; all voted aye and the motion carried.
Looking ahead, staff said they will discuss the draft goals in more detail at the budget retreat scheduled for Saturday and invited trustees to suggest additional objectives in advance.
