Elmhurst police present $48.75 million station plan, cite FOIA surge and grants in 2026 budget

Chief Mike McClain, Elmhurst’s police chief, told the Committee of the Whole on Oct. 27 that the Elmhurst Police Department’s proposed 2026 budget centers on recruitment and retention, traffic safety, technology‑based crime suppression, community policing and officer wellness.

McClain said the department sought to keep day‑to‑day services steady while advancing a multi‑year police‑station project. “The largest lift for the police department in 2026 … will be working with the city team and contracted firms to complete the architecture and engineering of the police station project during the estimated 12 month time frame,” he said. The 2026 budget includes $3,250,000 for architecture and engineering and minor work to prepare 180 West Park as a temporary facility, and a planning placeholder of $44,750,000 for future moving and construction costs.

Why it matters: the station project is the largest single capital item the police department presented. McClain said staff will develop operational plans, site‑specific feedback and a full planning document while attempting to maintain service levels during any move.

Department activity and grants: McClain reported that, as of Sept. 1, the…