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Riverwoods board adopts 2026 appropriations ordinance, increases MFT street-maintenance ceiling ahead of Saunders Road work
Summary
The Village of Riverwoods adopted its 2026 appropriations ordinance (No. 26-3-2) and amended the Motor Fuel Tax street-maintenance line to a budgeted $1,354,930 (appropriated at $1,490,423) to provide flexibility amid uncertainty on the Saunders Road project and contractor issues.
The Riverwoods Board of Trustees voted to adopt the village's 2026 appropriations ordinance (ordinance 26-3-2) and approved an amendment raising the Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) maintenance-of-streets budget to $1,354,930 with an appropriated ceiling set 10% higher at $1,490,423.
Village Attorney Hoover told the board the appropriations ordinance "sets the upper limit to what we can appropriate and what we can spend," explaining the ordinance provides legal spending authority while staff "manage to the budget," Finance Director Tony Vasquez said. Vasquez told trustees the ordinance generally sets appropriations about 10% above the budgeted line items to avoid frequent ordinance amendments.
The increase to the MFT maintenance line follows staff warnings that Saunders Road construction—primarily a state-led project—has been delayed and that contractor pricing and prevailing-wage pressures could push the village's share above earlier estimates. Trustee Jamerson pressed staff on whether the village had increased the expected share to reflect likely price escalation; Vasquez said the amended line provides a larger cushion and noted the board could tap other capital funds if necessary.
Vasquez reviewed broader fund projections: a roughly $1.3 million general-fund surplus for 2025 (with certain reimbursements and transfers pending audit), a projected $1 million 2026 deficit in the MFT fund tied to the Saunders Road expense, a $1 million 2026 water-fund deficit driven by deferred Thorngate reservoir and water-main relocation work, and a $900,000 2026 sewer-fund deficit due to planned lift-station replacements. He recommended a water-rate study to help plan for capital needs.
Trustees discussed interim road repairs while the state's process unfolds and whether the village can require the current contractor to restore disturbed driveways and shoulders. Trustee Eastman said municipal league outreach shows many communities face the same legal freeze on projects and that coordinated action with other towns may be required.
The board voted by roll call to waive first reading, proceed to second reading, and adopt ordinance 26-3-2 as amended. Voting 'yes' on the adoption were Trustees Jamerson, Raph, Smith, Trevino, Clayton and Eastman. The ordinance gives staff the legal authority to spend within the appropriated ceilings; any specific capital spending beyond the budget will be brought forward to the board for approval.
Votes at a glance (actions taken at the meeting): ordinance 26-3-2 (appropriations) adopted; ordinance 26-3-3 (conveyance to Lake County) adopted; Quadant Leasing contract for postage equipment approved (60 months, $19,511.40 total); purchase of Orphans of the Storm event tickets approved (not to exceed $5,500).
