Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Budget topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves Gorton Community Center 2026 budget, cites strong endowment and capacity pressures
Summary
Lake Forest City Council approved the Gorton Community Center 2026 operating budget 8–0. Presenters said Gorton has raised $3,000,000 for capital, operates a full-capacity Children's Learning Center with a 6–8 month wait list, and maintains an endowment around $6,000,000.
The Lake Forest City Council voted unanimously on Dec. 1 to approve the Gorton Community Center 2026 budget.
Will Georgi, chair of the Gorton board, and Amy (Gorton) described recent capital fundraising and program growth, saying the center has raised about $3,000,000 toward future capital improvements and now operates a Children's Learning Center at full capacity with a 6–8 month wait list. Amy said the center has updated ticketing and donor systems and saw donor participation rise about 20% after a recent ticketing change.
Bob Scales, chair of the Finance Committee, told the council Gorton's endowment stands at roughly $6,000,000 and is managed by Wintrust; Scales said the organization draws modestly from the endowment and that returns have exceeded annual draws.
The presenters said operating expenses have increased for three main reasons: adding a director of operations, improved employee health-care contributions and a multi‑year 401(k) match plan. The Children's Learning Center expansion was cited as driving classroom staffing needs.
Council approved the budget by roll call; the vote was recorded as eight yays, zero nays.
Next steps: the approved budget will be reflected in the city's fiscal relationship with Gorton as part of the city's annual budget and grant/partnership processes.
