Flossmoor village officials on April 20 adopted the fiscal year 2026-27 budget following a public hearing, concluding weeks of discussion shaped largely by ongoing delays in Cook County’s property tax system.

The approved FY2027 budget includes approximately $31.9 million in revenues and $35.7 million in expenditures, with the difference to be covered through fund balance and previously set-aside reserves.

Village Manager Bridget Wachtel said the budget process began in March, with multiple meetings reviewing major funds, capital projects and infrastructure needs before arriving at a final draft.

A major issue this year has been continued delays in Cook County property tax collections. Wachtel said the village expects those delays to persist and is planning conservatively as a result.

She said the delays are creating cash flow challenges and affecting the timing of village projects.

According to budget documents, Flossmoor received about $1.35 million in additional property tax revenue late in the current fiscal year, helping reduce earlier projected deficits.

Still, officials emphasized that uncertainty around when revenues are received — not just how much — remains a concern.

The village’s general fund — which supports most day-to-day operations — is projected to run a total deficit of about $2.84 million, including a $1.19 million operating deficit.

Officials said the shortfall is driven by inflation-related cost increases, capital investments, staffing expenses and carryover costs from projects not completed in the previous fiscal year.

To help offset the deficit, the budget includes new revenue sources such as a vehicle use fee and a food and beverage tax expected to generate about $570,000.

Despite those challenges, Wachtel said the village remains in good fiscal health but must remain vigilant as it plans for future budgets.

More than $1 million in grant funding already is included in the budget, with an additional $2 million expected pending agreements tied to infrastructure projects such as the Flossmoor Road viaduct improvements.

Wachtel also noted that while economic development projects are underway, their impact on property tax revenues will not be immediate, with a typical lag of two to three years.

Trustees praised staff for navigating a complex and evolving financial environment.

“This is not simple,” Trustee Gary Daggett said. “The amount of work that goes into this — from staff and administration — is pretty amazing. They break it down in a way that helps us make informed decisions.”

The adopted budget takes effect May 1, 2026, and runs through April 30, 2027.