Will County Gazette

During a recent board meeting, the Park Forest Board of Trustees approved the fiscal year 2025-2026 budget, detailing over $20.4 million in planned capital improvements. These improvements target infrastructure, sustainability initiatives, and downtown revitalization.

The budget outlines significant allocations for street repairs, water and sewer system upgrades, police and fire equipment, facility renovations, and environmental efforts. Village leaders emphasize that this plan supports long-term community development while maintaining essential services.

Public Works projects form the bulk of the capital plan with more than $800,000 allocated for road maintenance and $100,000 for sidewalk improvements. The Motor Fuel Tax Fund will finance resurfacing projects on Forest/Norwood Boulevard for $3.3 million and Westwood/Norwood Drive for $335,257.

The Water Fund proposes spending of $8.2 million, including an $800,000 water main replacement project in collaboration with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Sewer Fund is budgeted at $1,377,253 for sewer lining and lift station upgrades throughout the Village. Additionally, there are plans to spend $232,000 on fleet replacements such as pickup trucks and a dump truck.

The Recreation, Parks, and Community Health Department will see about $280,000 in capital spending for new walking paths and ADA-compliant equipment among other projects. A major renovation of the Aqua Center is also included with a budget of $3.5 million.

Sustainability programs receive an investment of $55,000 covering rain gardens and community gardening efforts. The department will purchase new vehicles totaling $130,000.

Building improvements are planned across several facilities including Village Hall with a total budget of $499,000.

For DownTown Park Forest enhancements nearly $943,000 is proposed for tenant build-outs and public amenities aimed at transforming downtown into a business hub.

The Police Department is set to receive funds amounting to $119,000 for technology upgrades like tasers and body cameras along with vehicle replacements costing $194,000.

The Fire Department's allocation includes funds for bunker gear updates at $108,450 and a new utility vehicle costing $45,000.

The capital projects outlined are part of a five-year plan that decreases to an estimated cost of $13.3 million by FY 2026-27. Funding sources include general funds along with grants without raising property taxes but introducing a proposed 1% local grocery tax effective January 1st 2026.

Public workshops have been conducted before finalizing the budget which aims to improve roads parks public safety services while ensuring fiscal stability according to village leaders focusing on infrastructure sustainability economic development priorities.