Title
title
A Study Session Presenting Option to Increase Revenue for the Sustainability Fund and Seeking Board Direction
..end
Introduction
overview
This item will summarize options for increasing revenue for the Sustainability Fund. Staff are seeking Board direction on which option or options to pursue further.
end
body
Recommended Action
This is a study session. Staff seek Board direction on which option to pursue for adoption.
Prior Board Action
The Board has taken the following prior action(s):
• On October 12, 2025, the Village Board adopted Resolution 28-265 to amend the agreement with MC Squared Energy Services, LLC for the Oak Park Community Choice Aggregation program with a new civic contribution amount of $1 per MWH with a minimum of $100,000 annually.
• On August 7, 2017, the Village Board approved Ordinance 17-239, which created the mandatory single-use retail bag fee.
• In 2009 the Sustainability Fund was established with grant funding for the hiring of staff positions to support sustainability efforts.
Background
The Village of Oak Park funds Sustainability staff and programming through a Sustainability Fund. This fund was established in 2009 with grant funding to support a staff position to run sustainability efforts. Currently, the Fund is supported through three revenue sources: an annual transfer from the Environmental Services Fund, revenue from the Community Choice Aggregation civic contribution, and revenue from the Retail Bag Fee.
Currently, expenses outpace revenue by approximately $1,500,000 annually. The Fund is projected to be depleted during fiscal year 2027.
Staff have identified two options to increase revenue for the Sustainability Fund.
1. Increase revenue through user fees. Possible user fees include the Retail Bag Fee, Environmental Services Fee, and Water and Sewer Fees.
2. Increase revenue through taxes by using the General Fund.
Staff will present these options and are seeking direction from the Village Board on which, if any, staff should pursue for implementation.
Timing Considerations
There are no specific timing considerations associated with this item.
Financial Impact
This is a presentation and study session. There is no budget impact associated with this item at this time.
Operations Impact
This is a presentation and study session. There is no operating impact associated with this item at this time. Staff from the Office of Sustainability and Resilience, Finance, Public Works, and Development Services contributed to the research for this item.
DEI Impact
This is a presentation and study session. There is no DEI impact associated with this item.
Community Input
The Environment and Energy Commission reviewed this item at their March 3 meeting and provided comments and a recommendation.
Staff Recommendation
This is a presentation and study session. There are no staff recommendations.
Alternatives
This is a presentation and study session. There are no alternatives.
Anticipated Future Actions
Once the Board provides direction, Staff will further pursue an option and bring a policy to the Board for adoption.
Prepared By: Lindsey Roland Nieratka, Chief Sustainability Officer
Reviewed By: Ahmad M. Zayyad, Deputy Village Manager
Approved By: Kevin J. Jackson, Village Manager
Attachment(s):
1. Sustainability Fund Staff Memo
2. Presentation