Deerfield trustees approve 2026 budget, fee and salary updates; multiple consent items pass

The Village of Deerfield Board of Trustees on Nov. 17, 2025 approved a package of fiscal and administrative measures, including final adoption of the 2026 budget, adjustments to utility and refuse fees and updates to the village wage and salary plan.

Mayor Shapiro presided over the meeting. Treasurer Eric presented the October financial report and the budget summary, saying the final 2026 budget is about $7,000 less than the proposed version because of police adjustments discussed at the public hearing. Trustees moved and adopted the budget ordinance for the fiscal year beginning Jan. 1, 2026.

The board also approved a consolidated fee schedule that increases water and sewer rates by 5% and raises monthly refuse charges from $8.92 to $11.32 to match a new refuse contract. Trustees voted to adopt an ordinance amending the village wage and salary plan; staff said the changes were developed during the budget process and are consistent with collective bargaining agreements.

Other consent items approved included two appointments—Joshua Atlas to the Cable and Telecommunications Commission and Michael Wolf to the Sustainability Commission—approval of the Nov. 3 minutes and bills and payroll. The board approved a 24-month enterprise internet-services renewal with Comcast and authorized a waiver of competitive bidding for that contract.

All roll-call votes recorded at the meeting were affirmative among trustees present (Trustees Greenberg, Jacoby, Benton, Berg and Goldstone); Trustee Oppenheim was absent. The board closed the public hearing on the proposed 2025 tax levy and will take formal action on the levy ordinance at a later meeting.

The board then voted to enter closed session under cited state statutes.