The Naperville Park Board has approved a $55.2 million budget for 2026 that includes a 3.9% property tax hike.
Park district officials estimate the tax levy hike will translate to about $17 more per year in propery taxes for an average homeowner with a house assessed at $515,000. Under that scenario, the portion of the tax bill paid to the district will climb to $458, representing about 5% of the overall amount paid in property taxes.
More than half of the district’s budget is supported by property tax revenue, which funds daily operations, capital projects, ADA improvements, inclusion services and debt obligations.
Board members approved a $27 million tax levy for the $55.2 million spending plan, which includes $37.5 million for day-to-day operations, $14 million for capital improvements and $3.7 million for debt retirement.
The new budget comes as district officials continue to deal rising costs while trying to maintain affordability, a high bond rating and consistent services and programming for residents, officials said. Costs for insurance, employee benefits and supplies are among the items going up, they said.
For example, compared to 2025, the cost of flowers and plants has risen by 8%. Park supplies such as paint, salt, garbage bags and gloves is up by an average 5%. Janitorial supply costs increases are ranging from 4% to 10% more, health insurance benefits are up 11%, and business and liability insurance has seen an average increase of 12%, officials said.
Program fees make up 29% of the district’s overall income. Some fees are expected to increase next year “due to growing expenses associated with supplies, transportation, contractual program fees and instructor wages,” according to the budget plan.
At Springbrook and Naperbrook golf courses, some private lessons and select greens and range fees will increase, while junior and family golf rates will stay the same, officials said. Specifically, the district is planning a “$1 fee increase for most regular season green fees and riding fees at the two golf courses.”
Outside of golf, fees for park district programs like gymnastics, day camp and preschool are also expected to see increases. Fees at Centennial Beach and the Fort Hill Activity Center will remain unchanged in 2026.
As for capital improvement projects, the district plans to prioritize playground renovations at Apache Park, Burr Oak, Fox Hill Greens, Knoch Park, Queensbury Greens, Springhill Park and Wil-O-Way Park. Continued work on the permeable paver parking lot installation and site improvements at the Ron Ory Community Garden Plots is also planned.
Other budget priorities for next year include engaging Naperville residents through informational initiatives related to the park district referendum, which will appear on the ballot in March. The $120 million bond sale is earmarked for the construction of a new activity center, including indoor swim facilities, at Frontier Sports Complex in south Naperville and acquiring more open land and trails.
cstein@chicagotribune.com
