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Machesney Park leaders outline FY27 priorities as finance director says revenues are tracking above expectations
Summary
HR and Finance Director Shannon Hansen told trustees the village’s finances are "stable and strong," projecting revenue gains from permits, taxes and casino receipts and outlining priorities for public safety, infrastructure and economic development; no public comment was offered and the meeting adjourned after a brief session.
HR and Finance Director Shannon Hansen told the Machesney Park trustees Tuesday that the village’s finances remain "stable and strong" and that several revenue streams are tracking above expectations as staff prepares the fiscal 2027 budget.
Hansen said the village is "on track to exceed revenue expectations in areas such as permits, state income tax, sales tax revenue, casino revenue, and road tax," and noted that budget-to-actual expenditures are reviewed monthly. She said staff anticipates a strong finish to the current fiscal year.
The overview laid out draft goals and priorities for the coming year. Hansen highlighted continued shared revenue from the Hard Rock Casino, growth in the Tiffin business districts, and use of a $50,000 grant from Representative Cabela designated for a village paving project (the grant had not yet been received). She also said staff will pursue funding for Forest Hills Road signal preemptions and work in the Harlem 251 area, and expects transportation-cost reductions tied to recent legislation while retaining local fixed-route and paratransit services through Rockford Mass Transit.
"We are on track to exceed revenue expectations," Hansen said, and asked trustees to review the organizational and departmental goals included in their packets with an eye to the upcoming budget retreat.
Hansen described near-term operational priorities: increasing public-safety presence along the 173 Corridor and in neighborhoods to deter car thefts and DUI violations; expanding public-works capacity through additional staff and equipment to improve efficiency; and advancing economic development efforts downtown, near Interstate 90 and along the 173 Corridor. She said Phase 1 of the Forest Hills Road project — described in the packet as north of Hudgens to north of Willow Creek Road — remains a priority, with engineering identifying possible funding sources.
The chair asked for discussion and opened a public-comment period; no trustees raised questions and no members of the public addressed the board. The meeting concluded after a motion to adjourn. "Motion by Trustee Wilson, second by Trustee Roach," the chair said; a voice vote recorded ayes and the motion carried. The board plans a more detailed budget discussion at the scheduled retreat.
What happens next: staff will bring detailed budget materials to the retreat for trustee review, and trustees invited additions to the draft goals before those discussions.
