Officials in La Grange Park are preparing to put a referendum question on the March 17 municipal election ballot asking voters to approve $10 million in general obligation bonds for the village roadway program.
The Village Board — and voters — approved issuing a similar $10 million in bonds in 2016, also for the roads program, and the final payments will be in 2026.
“The bonds may be issued with the same annual payment as the 2016 bonds resulting in no increase compared to the existing debt service property tax levy,” Robert Lautner, finance committee chair, told his board colleagues.
Because La Grange Park is not a home rule community, state law requires voter approval for bonds supported solely by a property tax levy.
If the referendum is approved, the bonds will be issued in time for the 2026 property tax levy in the amount not to exceed the rate of 6%. The money will go toward road repair and sidewalk improvements, all on village property.
“This is a renewal of what was approved in 2016,” Lautner said.
Getting the bonds approved would align with the village’s long-term capital plan, which calls for road improvement bonds every 10 years to finance road improvements.
Lautner said the 2016 bonds resulted in “a very successful project,” but asked village staff how many road miles were improved by the revenue from the 2016 referendum.
Village manager Julia Cedillo indicated that between 2016 and 2019, 11 miles out of the Village’s 35 miles of roadway were repaved. This work also included upgrading some sidewalks, drainage and curbs.
Staff projected about $1.3 million per year is needed to keep village roadways in good condition, and the Motor Fuel Tax and village sticker fees aren’t sufficient to cover the expense.
The referendum was on the agenda for final review by the board, which informally agreed to have it on the Sept. 23 meeting agenda for official approval.
In other business, the board approved a 2.9% increase to water and sewer rates, beginning Jan. 1.
“This increase matches the Consumer Price Index for 2024, and will continue support for the operation and maintenance of those systems,” Lautner said. “The Brookfield-North Riverside Water Commission increased the rate it pays for Lake Michigan water by 3% in June, following a 4% increase by the City of Chicago.”
Similar to the proposed referendum question, the water and sewer rate was on the agenda for final review and will also be on the Sept. 23 meeting agenda for formal approval.
The next La Grange Park Village Board meeting will be 7:30 p.m. Sept. 23 at the Village Boardroom, 447 N. Catherine Avenue.
Hank Beckman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
