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Westmont adopts $120 million 2026 budget, approves property levies and appoints bond counsel
Summary
The Westmont Village Board on Nov. 20 adopted a $120,050,278 fiscal 2026 budget, set proposed property tax levies for the village and Special Service Area 2, and appointed special counsel for a potential 2026 bond issuance to fund a south-end fire station and infrastructure improvements.
The Westmont Village Board on Nov. 20 adopted a $120,050,278 budget for fiscal year 2026 and approved proposed property tax levies that the village says will likely translate to about a $30 annual increase for a typical resident.
Finance Director Altik told the board the budget emphasizes capital projects, including preliminary planning for a new south-end fire station with early cost estimates between $24 million and $27 million, sidewalk and stormwater work, and continued support for community events. The budget also reflects a proposed reduction in the telecommunications tax from 6% to 5% for 2026.
Altik presented the proposed aggregate levy figures: a village levy of $11,299,022 and a Special Service Area (SSA) 2 levy of $118,140. He said the package as presented represents a 4.89% increase on paper but that county finalization of new-construction adjustments will likely yield a 3.21% increase overall and that the typical resident would see about a 2.9% change tied to the statutory inflation adjustment.
“That's a rough representation for most Westmont residents,” Altik said, describing the village’s share as roughly 11% of a typical homeowner’s total property tax bill and schools as a larger share.
Trustee Gina Perilli said she could not, in good conscience, support any tax levy increase, citing concern about combined state and local tax burdens in Illinois; she voted No on the levy motions. The board otherwise approved the village and SSA levies on roll call votes.
Separately, the board confirmed appointment of special legal counsel related to a proposed issuance of general obligation/alternative revenue bonds intended to fund the fire station, water-main work and other infrastructure projects. Director Altik outlined a timetable: an ordinance to indicate intent on Jan. 22, a public hearing in February and a parameters ordinance on March 5 to set borrowing structure and amounts. The board voted to retain bond counsel, which staff said is standard to ensure federal and state regulatory and tax-exemption compliance.
Votes at a glance
- Adopted FY2026 budget (Resolution): motion by Trustee Linda Little; second by Trustee Matt Scales; roll call all ayes; outcome: adopted. - Proposed aggregate property tax levy (village & library, 2025 levy): motion by Trustee Little; second by Trustee Guzzo; Trustee Gina Perilli recorded a No; outcome: approved as presented. - Westmont SSA #2 proposed levy (fire service to Liberty Park): motion by Trustee Guzzo; second by Trustee Little; Trustee Perilli No; outcome: approved. - Appointment of special counsel for proposed bond issuance (for fire station, water-main work, etc.): motion by Trustee Bruce Barker; second by Trustee Matt Scales; outcome: approved.
What happens next
Altik said board action begins a process that includes committee review and further board votes in early 2026, including a public hearing before bond parameters are finalized. The village will publish more details as the bond timetable progresses.
