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Riverside board adopts 2026 budget and tax levies, enacts amusement tax and authorizes bonds for lead service‑line replacement
Summary
On Dec. 4, 2025, the Riverside Board approved the 2026 budget and several ordinances: village and library tax levies (village levy $7,094,599; library levy $1,557,900), a 5% amusement/streaming tax, a Title 9 update for e‑bikes/e‑scooters (age 18 per state law), adoption of a capital asset policy, and authorization of water/sewer revenue bonds up to $12 million to continue lead service line replacements.
The Village of Riverside Board of Trustees approved the 2026 budget and a package of ordinances and authorizations at its Dec. 4 meeting.
Clerk Stenzel read the consent agenda, which included the motion to approve the 2026 budget document, a preapproved vendor list ordinance, an ordinance adopting the annual village and Riverside Public Library budgets, a bond abatement for $6,065,000 in general obligation waterworks and sewage bonds, and purchase authorizations for software and vehicles. The consent agenda passed by roll call.
Director Zavala presented the 2025 estimated property tax levies for the village and library. He reported the village levy totals $7,094,599 after a $445,400 abatement; the Riverside Public Library levy totals $1,557,900. Both levies were approved by roll call.
Manager Francis and Director Zavala proposed a 5% amusement/streaming tax intended to capture streaming revenue similarly to the existing 5% cable franchise fee. "What the board is looking to adopt this evening is an amusement slash streaming tax and at the rate of 5%," Manager Francis said, and staff noted a roughly $40,000 decline in franchise‑related receipts over the past decade as residents moved from cable to streaming platforms. The ordinance was adopted.
The board also approved an ordinance amending Title 9 of the village code to incorporate e‑bikes, e‑scooters and similar low‑speed motorized devices and to adopt state statute language for local adjudication and enforcement; the village will set the minimum age at 18, consistent with state law. Police representatives said education would be prioritized alongside enforcement. The ordinance passed.
Director Zavala presented an ordinance authorizing the issuance of waterworks and sewerage revenue bonds in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $12,000,000 to fund waterworks and sewer system improvements, specifically replacement of lead service lines. He noted an earlier board action approved a $4,000,000 0% IEPA loan and that loan repayment will be reimbursable from the water/sewer fund and is property‑tax neutral. The authorization passed by roll call.
Other actions included adoption of a capital asset policy to strengthen accounting and reporting standards and multiple procurement authorizations approved on the consent agenda.
Votes at a glance: consent agenda approved by roll call; village tax levy and library tax levy ordinances approved; amusement/streaming tax ordinance approved (5% rate); Title 9 e‑bike/e‑scooter ordinance approved (age 18); capital asset policy approved; water/sewer revenue bond authorization approved (up to $12 million).
