Clarendon Hills Finance Director Maureen Potempa said the village remains in a stable financial position as the village board is scheduled to approve the 2025 budget at its Nov. 18 meeting.
“Inflation is starting to stabilize, but its effects continue to impact costs in the village,” she says.
Potempa said continued increases in public safety costs are a key driver of the spending increase, including a combined $58,500 increase in police and fire pension contributions. She said the fire department is actively reviewing its policies and staffing procedures to ensure a cost-effective model that maintains the high standards of service that the community expects.
“These increases in public safety costs reflect broader regional and national trends that are increasing the cost of goods and services,” Potempa said.
She said the village has seen positive growth in terms of revenue, especially because of the downtown restaurant district.
Additionally, the implementation of a revised ambulance billing rate structure under the state’s Ground Emergency Medical Transportation Program has brought significant benefits.
“This initiative more than doubled ambulance toll revenue, adding more than $200,000, without increasing out-of-pocket costs for village residents,” Potempa said.
He said the 2025 budget includes a 3.4% increase in property taxes, which is lower than the estimated allowable amount of 4.4%.
“Despite continued inflationary pressures, the Village remains committed to keeping property tax increases below the limits imposed by the Property Tax Extension and Limitation Act,” Potempa said, adding that the Village’s Special Services It added the completion of area road projects and the phasing out of related taxes. There is tangible relief for homeowners.
“The Village remains focused on identifying alternative sources of funding for government operations, particularly through continued development efforts,” Potempa said.
He said economic development remained strong. The downtown tax increment financing district remains a major driver of investment, with multiple projects expected to move forward.
“These investments will help foster growth and financial sustainability for the village,” she said. “The Village also maintains consistent communication with developers and businesses interested in investing in the community, further strengthening our economic outlook.”
Chuck Fieldman is a freelance reporter for the Pioneer Press.
