Elmhurst trims paving, shifts street sweeping to MFT and advances Route 83 bike‑ped bridge funding in FY2026 budget review

Elmhurst’s Committee of the Whole reviewed a range of public works budget changes on Oct. 14 as staff presented the FY2026 proposed budget, highlighting deferred paving projects, a reallocation of street sweeping costs to the Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) fund, and capital activity for bike‑and‑pedestrian projects.

Public Works Director Stan (introduced by staff) summarized 2025 accomplishments and described goals for 2026 including the police station design, large stormwater project designs and a water pump station/reservoir rehabilitation. When the committee moved into budget detail, staff identified a series of reductions and reallocations in the street and maintenance budgets.

Major reductions and reallocations: staff proposed a $1,356,000 reduction in the contract paving (account 570140) for 2026, a $165,000 reduction in inlet cleaning and a $82,500 deferral of parking lot maintenance. Street sweeping ($240,000) was moved out of the general fund street maintenance cost center and into the Motor Fuel Tax fund; staff said street sweeping is an eligible MFT expense. Director Balicki described the paving cut as a deferral of resurfacing work into future years rather than a permanent elimination.

Staff said not every deferred item will automatically be “made up” in 2027, and aldermen asked for project lists and a clear explanation of the impacts of the deferred work. Alderman Brennan asked for a cumulative document listing all reductions; the mayor and staff agreed to provide a single spreadsheet showing cuts and impacts.

Capital projects and bike‑pedestrian work: the capital projects tab includes $3,548,350 budgeted for construction of a bicycle and pedestrian bridge over Route 83 and $499,320 for improvements from the city’s bicycle and pedestrian plan. Staff said the Route 83 bridge is funded in large part by grants and that the capital fund was included in the printed budget because grant award totals were still being confirmed at print time; after final grant notification staff said the grant amount covered the full project and the capital contribution in the printed book will not be required.

Forestry and other maintenance items: public works identified reductions in tree planting (600 planned to 500) and lower allocations for some landscaping and permeable paver maintenance ($25,000 removed). At the same time, staff proposed a $50,000 increase for contract tree trimming to maintain a seven‑year pruning cycle amid rising contractor prices. Aldermen asked whether Dutch Elm and emerald ash borer removals were captured in the tree accounts; staff pointed them to account 531155 for removals and agreed to follow up with more detail.

Rubbish and yard waste contract: staff said the residential solid waste and recycling contract is out to bid with proposals expected in early November; staff estimated a 5–10% increase in contract costs based on peer communities and recent market conditions. Staff noted the general fund records pass‑through expenses and corresponding revenues for the service, so any contract increase will be matched by revenue adjustments.

Other items: a $17,000 addition for downtown sidewalk power‑washing equipment was noted, and staff described building maintenance and garage improvements that were deferred in the capital plan. Several aldermen requested circle‑backs (follow‑up memos) with further detail on specific reductions, the guardrail request, permeable paver deferral impacts and which deferred road resurfacing projects would be postponed.

Staff committed to delivering the cumulative reduction document and project lists; aldermen emphasized they want clear descriptions of service impacts before final budget adoption.