WINNETKA – Winnetka’s $72.4 million proposed 2017 budget includes an ambitious capital project plan that will address major infrastructure projects while attempting to minimize increased costs to residents. The Village Council formally introduced the proposed budget at a meeting on November 15 and is expected to approve it in December.
Like neighboring Wilmette, Winnetka faces the competing challenges of funding major infrastructure projects and public safety pensions, as well as maintaining the level of services residents expect, all while limiting cost increases to residents.
In addition to these challenges, the village has the added uncertainty of how the budget stalemate at the state level could impact village revenue predictions.
Primarily due to an increase in capital spending of over $4 million, the 2017 budget represents an increase of 8.8% compared to 2016, according Timothy Sloth, Director of Finance for the village. The village’s operating budget will increase by 3.8% to $57.7 million.
Total capital spending for 2017 is $12.47 million, with the bulk of that money being spent on roadway, electrical, water and stormwater improvements. Some of those projects include:
- $4.18 million stormwater improvements
- $2.7 million roadway, sidewalk and bridge improvements
- $2.58 million electrical improvements
- $1.1 million water system improvements
- $470,000 downtown master plan implementation
So what does this mean for Winnetka residents’ bottomline?
A typical resident (the village calculations assume a $25,000 tax bill) will pay 3.6% more, or $271 more for municipal services in 2017. That increase includes a 4% increase in electrical rates, 4% increase in water rates, 5% increase in sanitary sewer charges, and refuse charges of $120 per year.
While the budget includes a 1.2% tax levy increase, the Sloth projects that residents will see no increase in the village’s share of their property tax bill. That is because the village assumes a 1.2% increase in new development, which will provide $173,000 in increased revenue. Those funds will go entirely towards the public safety pensions.
To view the proposed village budget go to www.villageofwinnetka.org.