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CITY OF WEST CHICAGO
FINANCE COMMITTEE
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
ITEM TITLE:
Draft 2027 Budget
AGENDA ITEM NUMBER:          6.E.
 COMMITTEE DATE: November 2, 2026
COUNCIL AGENDA DATE: November 2, 2026
PREPARED BY: Katrina Hanna, Finance Director
APPROVED BY:
SIGNATURE__________________________
SIGNATURE__________________________
Under Illinois Municipal Budget Law, a municipality’s tentative annual budget and appropriation ordinance must be
made conveniently available for public inspection at least 10 days prior to final action on the ordinance. The City
has historically provided approximately 30 days between presentation of the draft budget and adoption to allow
ample time for public inspection and input.
Publication of a hearing notice is also required at least one week before the hearing date. The City anticipates
publishing the hearing notice on November 6, 2026, setting a public hearing for December 7, 2026.
The draft budget will be posted on the City’s website for public inspection, as well as a hard copy at City Hall. Due
to the nature of public inspection and input, as well as council inspection and input, municipal budget law allows the
City to modify, amend, or revise the draft budget prior to the passage of the budget on December 7, 2026.
Items of note in 2027 draft budget:
Revenues and Financing

Increased home rule sales tax, effective January 1, 2027, split 50% between the General Fund and Water
and Sewer Fund (depending on need annually).

Increased package liquor tax, effective January 1, 2027.

Adoption of 5% water and sewer rate increase, as recommended at the October 19 City Council meeting.

Issuance of approximately $3.4 million in bonds for the industrial road program in the Capital Fund.

Anticipated draw of approximately $8.7 million in IEPA loan proceeds for the lead service line replacement
program in the Water Fund.
Expenditures/Expenses

Recommended transfer of $2 million from Downtown Revitalization to the Capital Fund for the Downtown
Modernization and Beautification Project.

Addition of four part-time and two full-time positions to address service delivery priorities.

Increased flexibility for business support including $75,000 in new incentives, $25,000 in advertising to
offset construction effects, and $50,000 towards business incubator initiatives.

Refresh of the Community Park master plan for $50,000 and $200,000 for preliminary design work for the
restoration of the underpass.

Continuation of the City’s multi-year industrial road improvement program.
The draft budget reflects an effort to balance ongoing service delivery and infrastructure obligations with
investments that support future economic development and community priorities. The 4.9% proposed property tax
levy increase and continued commitment to the 35% General Fund reserve policy provide a fiscally responsible
foundation for the 2027 Budget. These proposed allocations remain subject to further review and modification
through the budget process.

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CITY OF WEST CHICAGO
ACTIONS PROPOSED:
Review and discuss the proposed 2027 Budget, identify any recommended modifications, and advance the draft
budget to City Council for consideration and inspection, including any proposed modifications.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: