Northfield adopts 2026–27 budget; trustees approve 3% water‑sewer rate increase

The Village of Northfield on Tuesday adopted its fiscal year 2026–27 budget and approved a 3% increase to combined water and sewer fees.

Manager Brennan presented the budget during a public hearing, telling trustees the proposal is balanced with a projected net positive of $26,477. Brennan said the village breaks revenues into fund categories and highlighted that roughly one‑third of revenue comes from property taxes, one‑third from state shared taxes and the remainder from other sources. He noted pension obligations increased — the police pension rose by about $296,000 — and that expenditures reflect a higher share for wages, which the village said is consistent with communities of similar size.

The budget includes a planned $2 million water‑main replacement on Hap Road and Harding, Brennan said. That project will draw on the water and sewer fund, which the presentation showed would run a temporary deficit of roughly $1.1 million against a $5.6 million fund balance; staff said the draw is planned and will be covered by reserves. An interfund transfer of about $911,000 to the capital improvement fund was also noted.

Trustees asked whether the roughly 49% wage share of general‑fund expenditures is typical; Brennan said it is within the range for comparable communities and that the proposed budget adds two staff positions to support multi‑year projects.

Following the hearing, trustees voted to adopt the budget ordinance. In a separate ordinance vote, trustees approved a 3% increase to the combined water and sewer fee, described by staff as primarily a pass‑through of neighboring sewer rate changes plus a modest addition to cover local water projects.

The board noted staff will continue to monitor fund balances, bond call windows and long‑term obligations. The water‑main project remains dependent on permitting and contractor scheduling.

The budget and rate ordinances passed by roll call vote.