Clarendon Hills Finance Director Maureen Potempa said the village continues to maintain a stable financial position, as the Village Board is scheduled to approve the 2025 budget at its Nov. 18 meeting.
“Although inflation is beginning to stabilize, its effects continue to influence the village’s costs,” she said.
Potempa said an ongoing increase in public safety costs, including a $58,500 rise in combined police and fire pension contributions, are a significant factor in rising expenditures. The Fire Department is actively reviewing policies and staffing procedures to ensure a cost-effective model that maintains the high standard of service expected by the community, she said.
“These public safety cost increases reflect broader regional and national trends in the rising cost of goods and services,” Potempa said.
She said the village has experienced positive growth on the revenue side, particularly from a thriving downtown restaurant district.
In addition, the implementation of a revised ambulance billing fee structure, under the state’s Ground Emergency Medical Transportation program, has yielded significant benefits.
“This initiative has more than doubled ambulance fee revenues, adding over $200,000, without increasing out-of-pocket costs for village residents,” Potempa said.
The proposed 2025 budget includes a property tax increase of 3.4%, which is less than the estimated allowable amount of 4.4%, she said.
“Despite ongoing inflationary pressures, the village remains committed to keeping property tax increases below the limits imposed by the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law,” Potempa said, adding that completion of the village’s Special Service Area road project and the related taxes being phased out, there is tangible relief for homeowners.
“The village remains focused on identifying alternative funding sources for government operations, particularly through ongoing development efforts,” Potempa said.
She said economic development continues to be robust. The downtown Tax Increment Finance District remains a key driver of investment, with multiple projects expected to move forward.
“These investments will help drive the village’s growth and fiscal sustainability,” she said. “The village is also maintaining consistent communication with developers and businesses interested in investing in the community, further enhancing our economic outlook.”
Chuck Fieldman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
