District 86 previews tentative FY2027 budget: $147M projected revenue, adoption slated for September

HINSDALE, Ill. — District 86’s finance and facilities committee on June 8 reviewed the district’s tentative fiscal 2027 budget and schedule, including revenue and expenditure drivers, capital projects and next steps toward final adoption in September.

CFO Steve told the committee that department budget templates were turned in earlier in the year and that the board will be asked to approve the tentative budget on June 25, which will allow the district to post the tentative budget for public review and set a September public hearing and final adoption. He said the district is budgeting conservatively for interest rates and monitoring state and federal categorical reimbursements, which may be subject to proration.

High‑level figures presented: roughly $147 million in total revenue and about $146.6 million in expenditures. Salary and benefits make up about two‑thirds of the budget. The CFO said ongoing capital work includes restroom renovations, lighting and flooring projects, solar panels and switchgear maintenance; he noted solar panels coming online could reduce electrical costs but that savings were not fully assumed in the tentative figures. He reported projected FTE of about 596.6 and said that most positions previously grant‑funded have been moved into operational budgets except for four positions at Hinsdale South still funded by Title I.

On capital spending, the tentative budget includes replacement of fitness‑center equipment at both campuses (the Bashard Center at Central and the South fitness center), with staff noting equipment is near end‑of‑life and replacements could be reused in later renovations. The committee also reviewed a procurement item: staff recommended Hill Mechanical as the low, responsible bidder for a three‑year chiller‑maintenance contract (budgeted at roughly $58,000 total over three years); the committee discussed the chiller as the district’s air‑conditioning system.

Why it matters: The tentative budget sets the framework for the district’s fiscal year 2027 priorities and authorizes staff to begin certain expenditures on July 1 if the board approves the tentative budget on June 25. The budget process includes a public review period and a September adoption hearing.

What’s next: The board will consider approving the tentative budget on June 25 (which triggers the public review window); staff will present final budget documents in August and seek adoption in September.