Politics & Government

Grayslake Village Board Approves Balanced Budget

Residents' water/sewer, garbage/recycling and aquatic center rates are not increasing.

At the April 16 Grayslake Village Board meeting, the board approved the fiscal fear (FY) 2013/14 operating and capital budgets.

The new fiscal year will begin on May 1, 2013. For FY 13/14, the village’s property tax levy did not increase from last year and water/sewer, garbage/ recycling, and aquatic center rates are held at current rates.

“This budget continues to hold down operating spending. Lower operating
spending means the village can hold the line on what it charges to its residents and businesses in the coming twelve months,” said Mayor Rhett Taylor.

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Operating Budget

Total operating expense is $16,150,175 and total operating revenue is estimated to be $16,596,843. The operating budget has the following highlights:

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  • Maintains a 43 percent non full-time officer/sergeant staff reduction since 2003.
  • Preserves current service levels.
  • No change in enterprise fund user fees from 12/13.
  • Property tax levy freeze for 13/14.
  • Funds annual village partnership programs (tree replacement, sidewalk replacement, rain barrel reimbursement, lawnmower rebate and neighborhood partnership).
  • Debt service payment costs $0 (no debt).
  • Continues comprehensive privatization program; 43 percent of total operating spending, 57 percent of total operating spending (excluding police department)
  • Funds Economic Development Commission services contract and additional marketing services with the Grayslake Chamber of Commerce.

“This budget is consistent with many past budgets in that it is balanced,” said Mayor Taylor. “Spending is controlled in this budget mostly because of the village’s continued efforts in finding cost controls in operating areas. Various operating tasks are constantly evaluated for efficiencies and alternative service delivery methods.”

Capital Improvements

This year’s budget includes funds for community improvements and fixed asset
repair/equipment replacements. The total FY 13/14 capital expenses are $8,151,065.

“The village’s community improvements program is part of the village’s effort to
improve property values long-term and by using previously accumulated funds to pay for community improvement projects the Village avoids barrowing money,” said Mayor Taylor.

Annual Resurfacing (20 streets)

This year’s resurfacing program includes the following roads: Blackburn Drive,
Cambridge Drive, Colton Road, Crossland Court, Crossland Drive, Easton Court, Essex Circle, Manchester Circle, Newbury Court, 1st Street, 2nd Street, Hillside Avenue, Prairie View Avenue, Stanley Shores, Carriage Lane, Lancer Lane, McKay Circle, Mount Vernon Drive, Kevin Lane and Patricia Court.

Major Non-Resurfacing Projects

The FY 13/14 improvement list includes the long awaited extension of Atkinson Road from Route 120 to Route 137. The project, which has been planned for almost 20 years, is paid primarily with federal highway grant funds obtained by the village. Other major projects include Village Center, neighborhood, Lake Street Metra Station, and bike path projects including: Whitney Street event area improvements (Phase II of the Village Center Improvement Plan); Heritage Center Annex improvements; Lake Street Metra Station warming shelter and parking lot lighting improvements; Lake Street Bike Path (Jamestown to Route 83 – east side); Meadows Bike Path (Meadows subdivision to College of Lake County); Route 120 Sidewalk (Neville Drive to Belle Court); and, Pierce
Court Sidewalk. Also included is design engineering for an improvement to the
intersection of Lake Street and Route 120.

Major Fixed Asset Equipment Repair/Replacements

The FY 13/14 includes funding for the following fixed assets: police squad car
replacements, a public works truck replacement, downtown banners replacements, and water main leak repairs.

—The Village of Grayslake submitted this information.


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