Wheeling board adopts 2026 budget and 2025 tax levy with abatement ordinances; one trustee votes no
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Summary
Trustees adopted the Village of Wheeling’s 2026 budget totaling $123,742,610 and approved a 2% property tax levy for 2025, along with three bond abatement ordinances; Trustee Vito recorded 'No' votes on the levy and the final budget adoption.
The Village Board on Dec. 15 adopted its annual budget for fiscal year 2026 and enacted related tax levy and abatement ordinances.
Finance staff explained the 2025 property tax levy ordinance reflects a 2% increase from the prior year and presented three abatement ordinances that instruct county collectors not to levy taxes for specific village debt service because other funds will cover those payments. Staff said these abatements reduce the amount residents will see added to the tax levy. The proposed 2026 budget totals $123,742,610; staff reported adjustments since early November (adding a 2% levy, anticipated streaming tax revenue and revised ambulance revenue) that increased the general fund surplus to an adjusted $1.2 million.
Trustees discussed the multi‑step levy process; staff explained several hearings are required so the public has notice and opportunity to comment. The board conducted separate roll‑call votes: the levy ordinance and the three abatement ordinances passed; during the final adoption of the 2026 budget Trustee Vito voted 'No' while other trustees voted 'Yes.'
What happens next: annual budget and related ordinances were adopted and will guide village expenditures in 2026; staff will proceed with the implementation described in the budget documents.