Committee approves Stormwater FY2026 budget and regional projects fund; commission seeks reorganization funded from vacant positions

The Stormwater Management Commission presented two related budget items on Oct. 22: the recommended FY2026 operating budget for stormwater management and a proposed separate fund for Lake County regional stormwater management projects. The committee approved both items, with staff and administration agreeing to follow up on fund accounting and a proposed staffing reorganization.

Commission leadership told the committee the recommended FY2026 budget shows a 63% decrease in total revenue driven primarily by a lower property tax allocation, while other revenues (stormwater permit fees and project-related receipts) remain steady or have increased. Staff highlighted several large, project-based revenue sources that have recently grown: the wetland restoration fund (cumulative collections described at about $4,000,000, with…