The Homewood Village Board approved a budget amendment to reallocate $396,000 to cover costs for 2025-26 capital projects, several of which involve public safety support.  

 At the Dec. 9 meeting, Homewood Finance Director Amy Zukowski told trustees the money became available after the village reassessed its 2025–26 capital budget and found that some previously approved projects cost less than expected. Other projects were postponed because bids came in higher than the village anticipated, allowing funds to now be reassigned.

After reviewing all projects this fall, staff identified eight items that need additional support to move forward, Zukowski said. 

The first item on the list is to replace outdated computer network switches at the Homewood Police Department. Updated switches would help improve overall system performance. Zukowski said $20,000 is currently budgeted and the additional funds needed is $70,000. 

For Chayes Park Drive, culvert pipe replacement engineering is needed to design a replacement for two stormwater pipes that have deteriorated. The pipes help carry creek water under the roadway, and their condition requires a more permanent fix. The budgeted amount is $45,000 and additional funding needed is $45,000, Zukowski said. 

The railroad platform rehabilitation is also on the list. The viewing platform near Harwood Avenue and Kroner Lane has experienced years of wear, including cracked concrete and peeling paint, as well as failing masonry. Public works staff plans a full restoration that would include repairing structural components, refinishing the surface and adding modern lighting. The work would improve safety and appearance. The budgeted amount is $45,000 and the additional funding needed is $21,000, she said. 

There’s also plans for additional downtown crosswalk design. In 2024, the village adopted a transit-oriented development master plan that lays out where future public improvements and private projects should go. One of the strongest messages from residents who helped shape that plan was the need for safer and more walkable crossings, Zukowski said. 

Many downtown intersections either have worn-out crossings, lacking accessible curb ramps or, in some cases, no marked crosswalks at all. New development has also drawn more people walking near major streets such as Ridge Road and Dixie Highway, which puts this highest on the priority list, she said. 

According to Zukowski, the village has developed a three-phase approach. 

• Phase 1 focuses on four crosswalks near Village Hall. Those improvements are tied to new parking near St. John Neumann Church, a future one-way configuration on Harwood Avenue and long-term redevelopment plans in that area.
• Phase 2 calls for five crosswalks along key corridors, including sections of Dixie Highway and Ridge Road. 
• Phase 3 adds eight more crosswalks that also need upgrades for safety and Americans with Disability Act (ADA) compliance.

The additional money in this amendment would cover engineering work for all Phase 2 and Phase 3 locations, 13 crosswalks in all, along with 26 ADA ramp improvements. Construction of the Phase 2 crosswalks is aimed for 2026, while the Phase 3 locations would be designed now so they are “shovel-ready” when funding becomes available. The budgeted amount for this project is $75,000 and the additional funding needed is $50,000, Zukowski said. 

The village also plans to bundle these engineering costs into a 2025 Access to Transit grant application through the Regional Transportation Authority. If awarded, that program could pay the full cost of eligible work up to $55,000, she said. 

Upgrades to the Homewood Fire Department’s kitchen are also on the agenda. The kitchen was last updated 20 years ago. The project includes new cabinets and countertops, and appliances. Fire personnel will handle much of the installation themselves, which will help reduce costs. There is currently no budgeted amount for this, and funding needed is $70,000, Zukowski said. 

As for the fire department’s life and safety equipment, several essential tools need to be replaced or upgraded. The department wants to replace the rescue saws, which are currently seven to 10 years old. Accessories used in vehicle extrications and equipment to improve vehicle exhaust removal at the station and ground monitors for fire suppression will also be upgraded. A new floor-cleaning machine for the apparatus bay is needed as well. There is currently no budgeted amount for this, and funding needed is $50,000, she said.

The village also plans to expand its use of electronic speed signs after positive results from earlier installations on 183rd and 187th streets by installing six additional radar speed signs. The project includes new poles and electrical work needed to support the signs. There is currently no budgeted amount for this $70,000 expense, Zukowski said. 

Lastly, Water Plant No. 1 currently relies on limited heating and lacks a full climate-control system. Adding a proper heating, ventilation and air conditioning system would protect the equipment, reduce wear and help extend the plant’s lifespan. The village has $40,000 budgeted and $25,000 is still needed, she said.  

In total, the proposal reallocates $396,000 in General Capital Funds, 2024 general obligation bond proceeds and Water Sewer Capital Funds, she said. 

According to Zukowski, the amendment will allow the projects to move forward this year rather than being delayed.