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Oak Brook Park District adopts FY2025–26 budget after residents raise concerns about nonresident use
Summary
After a public hearing in which residents urged the board to prioritize resident access, the Oak Brook Park District board unanimously adopted the FY2025–26 budget and appropriation ordinance and directed staff to provide membership residency breakdowns.
The Oak Brook Park District Board of Commissioners on April 21 adopted Ordinance 25-0421, the fiscal year 2025–2026 budget and appropriation ordinance, after a public hearing in which residents urged the district to account for resident versus nonresident use of facilities.
President Knitter called the hearing to order and said staff and commissioners would answer questions about the budget. Chief Financial Officer Marco Salinas, who distributed a written comparison and summary, told the board the budget’s investment income assumption was “too low” for the coming year when Knitter asked whether the estimate was realistic. Salinas also said the Park District received a final tax levy amount that was lower than the amount the board requested; he did not specify the final levy figure at the meeting.
During the hearing, long-time resident Don Adler said the Park District has shifted from being primarily resident-used to having predominantly nonresident users since he moved to Oak Brook 35 years ago. Resident Tina Chan, who said she campaigned on concerns about nonresident use, told the board the budget should reflect resident tax contributions and asked that the budget not be passed that night. Commissioner Suleiman moved to adjourn the hearing; it was adjourned and the regular meeting proceeded.
At the regular meeting the board then approved the ordinance by roll call vote, four ayes with Commissioner Vescovi absent. Executive Director Dr. Laure Kosey told the board she will provide the membership breakdown by resident and nonresident requested by commenters. Salinas said audit preparation and manual accruals are underway; the district expects files ready for auditors in July and the audited report at the October meeting.
President Knitter said the Park District will begin posting audio recordings of board meetings starting May 19, 2025—an item budgeted for FY2025–26. The board’s approval allows staff to proceed under the adopted numbers and carry out the programs and services funded in the budget.
The board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for May 19, 2025.
