The Park Forest Board of Trustees will meet on March 16 at Village Hall to discuss several measures related to municipal finances, infrastructure projects, and economic development.
The agenda includes a final reading of an ordinance proposing a 1% home rule municipal and service occupation tax on most goods and services sold within the village. If approved, this tax would apply to retail purchases and certain services but exclude items such as food for off-premises consumption and prescription drugs. Village officials say the measure is intended to increase revenue without raising property taxes. The estimated annual revenue from the new tax could reach $800,000, aligning Park Forest’s sales tax rate with neighboring communities. The ordinance would take effect July 1 if passed and after being filed with the Illinois Department of Revenue.
Trustees will also consider hiring Stuckey Construction Co. as construction manager at risk for the Aqua Center Redevelopment Project. This follows a request for proposals issued in January for the estimated $10 million project. Five firms submitted proposals, and after interviews and review, staff recommended Stuckey Construction Co., which proposed a fee of $767,665 included in the overall $8.75 million redevelopment budget. The board will also vote on applying for $400,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds to remediate mold and asbestos at DownTown Building 2; if awarded, the village would provide a $100,000 match.
Another item up for discussion is an ordinance modifying the number of available liquor licenses in response to an application from Antonio Burgess, who plans to open Libations tavern at 311 Main Street. Burgess currently owns Smitty’s in Phoenix, Illinois. The proposed change also reflects recent business closures and withdrawn applications within Park Forest.
Additional agenda items include awarding road improvement contracts worth up to $1.43 million to Davis Concrete and renewing asphalt patching with Advantage Paving Solutions for up to $175,000. The board will also consider renewing contracts with New Era Spreading for lime residual removal and Lakeshore Recycling Systems LLC for street sweeping under the fiscal year 2027 Motor Fuel Tax maintenance resolution totaling $331,621.
According to the official website, Village of Park Forest promotes community health through dedicated commissions and programs according to the official website. The village has received recognition for its sustainability efforts in town planning according to the official website and aims to improve economic conditions by collaborating on municipal services according to the official website. Park Forest operates under a council-manager government led by a mayor and six trustees according to the official website, supports national climate protection initiatives according to the official website, and offers educational opportunities through its Civic Leadership Academy according to the official website.
The meeting will begin at 7 p.m., include approval of previous minutes from Feb. 7 Rules Meeting, and offer time for public comment.
