La Grange trustees adopt FY2025–26 budget, keep capital spending plan

The La Grange Village Board on April 14 adopted the fiscal year 2025–26 operating and capital improvements budget, approving a plan that the village says preserves reserve policy while funding a multi-year capital program.

Trustee Ellison, who presented the budget, said the general fund is projected to hold an estimated $1,884,741 in reserves at fiscal year end on April 30, 2026, and the village’s five‑year projection keeps the reserve near the board’s policy target (about 53.76% by 2029–30). The budget also schedules roughly $8,200,000 in capital expenditures for the coming year and allocates $50,000 for a financial consultant to explore financing options for more than $141,000,000 of identified infrastructure projects.

The measure passed on a roll-call vote after public comment. Resident Al Foreman had urged trustees to postpone final adoption to allow additional corrections after the March public hearing, saying the packet before the board remained unchanged from the hearing. The board voted to adopt the budget as presented.

President Kuchler emphasized that the budget is a planning document that can be changed as needs arise. "The budget is a planning document. It is available or we are able to change as things come up and are brought to our attention," he said.

The adopted budget includes both operating assumptions and a capital program intended to address aging infrastructure; trustees noted the adoption does not preclude future adjustments or the use of consultants to evaluate funding strategies, including potential bond financing. No additional board action on the budget was scheduled at the meeting; staff will proceed with implementation and any necessary amendments during the fiscal year.

Next steps: staff will continue work on capital project planning and the village will engage the approved consultant as needed to study financing options.