Title
title
Public Hearing on the Fiscal Year 2026 Tentative Annual Budget of the Village of Oak Park, Continued from November 18, 2025
..end
Introduction
overview
This is a public hearing on the Village’s FY 2026 tentative annual budget. The Village Board is required to hold a public hearing on the proposed budget for the coming fiscal year in order to receive public testimony regarding the recommendations.
end
body
Recommended Action
Hold the public hearing.
Prior Board Action
The Board has taken the following prior action(s):
• The Village held a public hearing for the FY 2025 budget on November 21, 2024 (ID-24-607).
• The Finance Committee held multiple meetings on the proposed FY 2026 budget, including on September 11 and 25, October 7, 14, and 23, and November 4, 6, and 13.
Background
State statute, 65 ILCS 5/8-2-6, and Section 2-6-5.G of the Village Code requires a public hearing to be held prior to the final passage of the budget. This hearing fulfills the requirement. A copy of the proposed budget for FY 2026 is attached, which includes the consensus of the Finance Committee of the Village Board.
Timing Considerations
A newspaper notice was published setting this hearing for November 18, 2025. At the November 18 meeting, the Village Board opened and continued the hearing to December 2 to accommodate a revised schedule for budget and levy consideration and approval.
Budget Impact
The Board will be asked to consider the Proposed FY 2026 Budget for approval on December 9, 2025, at which time funds will be appropriated for the new fiscal year.
Staffing Impact
There is no staffing impact associated with this item. The item aligns with the department’s core service delivery.
DEI Impact
There is no DEI impact associated with this item.
Community Input
The Finance Committee has held multiple meetings to review and determine budget priorities. The Finance Committee also included a Citizens’ Advisory Committee, with 3 resident members.
Staff Recommendation
Conduct the hearing.
Advantages:
• This action ensures the Village can pass the FY26 budget in a timely manner.
• This action will provide feedback on the FY26 Budget.
Disadvantages:
• There are no disadvantages to this action.
Alternatives
The Board can elect not to conduct the hearing.
Advantages:
• There are no advantages to this action.
Disadvantages:
• This action places the Village out of compliance with State law regarding conducting budget hearings.
Anticipated Future Actions
It is anticipated that the public hearing will be conducted on December 2, 2025 at 7:00 pm and that the FY 2026 Budget will be presented for adoption on Tuesday, December 9, 2026, along with all related tax levies and abatement ordinances.
Prepared By: Donna M. Gayden, Interim Chief Financial Officer
Reviewed By: Jack Malec, Assistant to the Village Manager
Approved By: Kevin J. Jackson, Village Manager
Attachment(s):
1. FY 2026 Budget Presentation
2. 2026 ERRATA Sheet
3. Fiscal Year 2026 Operating Budget
4. Capital Improvement Plan