With Monday’s approval of the 2016 municipal budget, Flossmoor officials are looking ahead to a number of projects taking place in the village this year.
First and foremost is the construction of the Meijer superstore at Flossmoor’s southwest corner. Contractors working for Meijer are expected to start work on the 192,000 square foot store within the next few days.
In addition, the Village of Flossmoor will be working on several capital projects this year – all are funded through the new budget – including construction of water mains, sewer lines and the replacement of a deteriorating sewer lift station.
The new village budget, which totals $23.65 million for all municipal expenses, takes effect May 1. Village board members unanimously approved the budget at Monday’s meeting. Board members also approved 9.1 percent increases in water and sewer rates for the 2016 fiscal year, which are likely to increase bills for average homeowners by about $10 a month.
Flossmoor’s general fund, which accounts for most costs related to village services, shows revenues of $9.112 million and expenditures of $9.938 million, for an overall deficit of $825,705. In keeping with the village’s five-year financial plan, that deficit will be offset by monetary reserves.
When completed, the Meijer store is expected to have a significant effect on Flossmoor’s finances for years to come. According to village projections, the Meijer store and other outlets at the commercial complex will generate $530,000 in sales tax and $244,000 in property tax during its first year of operation.
Crews are building the main Meijer structure in the coming months so that interior work can take place over the winter. According to the construction timetable, the store will be ready to open next spring. The Meijer complex is being built on the north side of Vollmer Road just east of Crawford Avenue.
Flossmoor’s budgeted capital projects for the 2016 fiscal year include:
- Engineering for the Brookwood bridge and Butterfield Road culvert. The culvert, which moves a significant amount of stormwater from the village’s west side to east side, is failing and needs to be rebuilt. This year’s engineering is expected to cost $98,000. Village officials are optimistic that state grants and other funds will ultimately pick up 100 percent of the project costs, including construction of the bridge and culvert.
- Reconstruction of the Woods lift station. The village has attempted to repair this 30-year-old sewer lift station, located on the Flossmoor Country Club grounds. But a leak cannot be repaired and the lift station needs to be replaced. Flossmoor’s public works department is recommending that a submersible station be built at the site. The anticipated project cost is $325,000.
- Sanitary sewer engineering and construction in the Flossmoor Hills and Highlands neighborhoods. This project, with an anticipated cost of $1.35 million, is likely to include a combination of spot repairs, total segment replacement and other work that will restore the function and integrity of the sanitary sewer system in this section of Flossmoor. The project has been submitted to the Illinois Environmental Ptoection Agency for funding through that agency’s low interest loan program.
- Water main replacement program construction. This year’s portion of the ongoing eight-year water main project will target these areas: Hutchison Road, Collett Lane, the Heather Hill North neighborhood and the block surrounded by Carroll Parkway, Evans Road, Travers Lane and Flossmoor Road. This year’s water main work is expected to cost $1,302,685 and will be financed by bonds that Flossmoor has sold for the project.