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Salem Lakes board adopts 2026 budget, holds mill rate largely steady
Summary
The Village of Salem Lakes adopted its 2026 budget with a proposed mill rate of $3.18 — a $0.23 increase per $1,000 of assessed value — and approved moving surplus funds into the capital improvement fund. The motion passed 5–1.
The Village of Salem Lakes on Nov. 18 adopted its 2026 budget, approving an overall plan that officials say funds needed infrastructure work while keeping the village tax rate relatively low. Trustee remarks during the meeting put the proposed mill rate at $3.18, an increase of $0.23 per $1,000 of assessed value compared with the prior year.
Jay, a staff member involved in the budget process, told the board the budget includes a short-term borrowing component to support infrastructure improvements and said the plan has a "relatively minimal impact" on taxpayers. Trustee (speaker 3) outlined historical mill-rate comparisons with neighboring communities and said the village’s rate remains below several nearby jurisdictions.
During the public hearing portion of the meeting, no members of the public asked to speak in favor or against the budget. In roll-call voting on the final measure, the motion to approve the budget passed 5–1.
The board also approved a related appropriation change to move surplus funds into the capital improvement fund to match the village’s capital budgeting (resolution described in the packet). Jay explained the transfer was part of normal year-end budget closing and long-term planning for capital projects.
The meeting record includes public comments from several residents urging continued support for local services such as senior centers and for timely, transparent administration of zoning and records. The board’s next procedural step is to finalize the adopted levy paperwork and publish the approved budget as required under state law.
