The Village of Park Forest Board of Trustees will address several financial and public safety matters at its regular meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 16, at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive.
A main agenda item is the acceptance of the fiscal year 2024-2025 audit report. Representatives from Sikich CPA LLC are expected to present their findings to the board. Assistant Finance Director Sharon Floyd stated, “The audit presentation serves as a primer for the Village’s annual budget process, which begins each February.” The Village has submitted the audit to the Government Finance Officers Association for its Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting award. According to Floyd, “Through fiscal year 2023-2024, the Village has received the award for 29 consecutive years.”
The trustees will also consider the final reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 42 of the Village Code concerning fire prevention and protection. If approved, these changes would allow the Fire Department to bill insurance companies for certain emergency services such as motor vehicle accidents, hazardous materials incidents, fires, and water rescues.
Fire Chief Mark Cotrano explained that “the Village is seeking to enter into an agreement with Fire Recovery USA, LLC, a national firm that assists municipalities in recovering costs from insurance providers.” Officials clarified that this proposal would not increase costs for residents but is intended to help offset operational expenses.
Additionally, there will be discussion about updating fees related to responses in unincorporated areas so they better reflect current service costs.
Trustees are also set to vote on accepting an additional $100,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds from Cook County. This amendment would bring the total grant amount to $500,000 for a sanitary sewer lining project in neighborhoods south of Sauk Trail.
The meeting agenda includes reports from village officials and time allotted for public comment.
Park Forest operates under a council-manager government structure featuring a mayor and six trustees as its governing body. The community promotes health and engagement through dedicated commissions and programs while pursuing sustainability efforts recognized by various accolades. Strategic objectives include strengthening economic growth and providing innovative municipal services through collaboration and leadership initiatives supporting both education and sustainability (https://www.villageofparkforest.com/).
