Winfield holds public hearing on $30.1 million FY2027 budget; vote set for April 16

The Winfield Village Board opened a public hearing on April 2 on the proposed FY2026–27 budget, with Finance Director Connie Kravitz presenting the plan and asking the board for comment ahead of a scheduled vote on April 16.

Kravitz said the village’s proposed FY27 expenditures total $30,095,300, including about $11,064,500 (roughly 37 percent) earmarked for capital projects. “The village has 10 separate funds each accounted for separately,” Kravitz said, describing the budget process that began in October and incorporated department requests, budget team review and administration/finance committee meetings. She said the board will take final action at the April 16 meeting.

Kravitz described the general fund outlook, saying the estimated ending fund balance is expected to increase by about $446,000, representing roughly 58 percent of budgeted expenditures and transfers and exceeding the village’s fund balance policy. She also outlined the revenue mix: taxes (including property, income and sales tax) are the largest source at about 54.3 percent; charges for services (including water and sewer fees and commuter parking) are the next largest source.

The presentation included details for the water and sewer proprietary fund, which Kravitz said will see a projected decrease in fund balance of about $2.6 million tied to capital timing. She noted a DuPage Water Commission customer rate increase effective May 1, from $5.80 to $5.89 per thousand gallons, driven by changes in Chicago’s commodity water rate.

Kravitz also reviewed the village’s five‑year capital plan (roughly $49.6 million total) and highlighted planned allocations for road projects, a Beecher Street bridge replacement and a $21.8 million allowance for a new police department and municipal center. The Winfield Public Library’s budget request of $3,088,500 was included in the presentation; Kravitz said that figure allocates about 40.1 percent to salaries and benefits.

After trustees asked clarifying questions, the board voted to close the public hearing. Kravitz reminded the board that the budget will be presented for approval at the April 16 board meeting and filed with the DuPage County Clerk prior to the start of the fiscal year as required by law.

What’s next: The board will consider final approval of the FY27 budget on April 16; the public record for the hearing will remain available until that action.