Village officials are planning to set aside more than $1.3 million next year to maintain and replace critical equipment, as rising costs and financial pressures continue to impact budgeting decisions.

The proposed Fiscal Year 2026–27 Capital Equipment Fund contribution totals $1,345,007, including $1,006,511 from the general fund, $150,714 from the water fund and $187,781 from the sewer fund, according to a memo discussed at the March 16 Village Board meeting. 

The fund is designed to spread out the cost of major purchases — like vehicles, infrastructure and technology — through a long-term replacement plan rather than relying on large, one-time expenses.

Village Manager Bridget Wachtel said the system allows the village to follow a “save then spend” approach, using a 10-year replacement schedule to plan ahead for equipment needs. 

Budget pressure and delays

This year’s planning has been complicated by delayed property tax payments from Cook County and ongoing supply chain issues, which officials said can push delivery timelines out by a year or more.

To manage cash flow, the village is withholding about $212,000 in a planned general fund transfer, with that adjustment rolling into next year’s calculations. 

Several projects were also delayed, including the purchase of a water division step van and backup generators for critical infrastructure. In the police department, $400,000 is being carried over into FY27 to complete work on the department’s pistol range and HVAC system. 

Rising costs, shifting plans

Officials said increasing equipment costs are forcing departments to rethink replacement timelines and spending priorities.

Fire department apparatus costs have risen more than 20% in the past two years and nearly doubled over the last five years, according to the memo. 

To offset those increases, the department has begun restructuring its fleet. The village sold a fire engine for $395,000 and a brush truck for $25,000, using the funds along with donations to invest in updated equipment. 

New purchases planned for next year include a $65,000 air pack compressor and a $22,000 fit test machine for firefighter safety equipment. 

Equipment stretched further

Across departments, officials are also extending how long equipment stays in service to control costs. Some vehicles that were previously replaced every six to eight years are now being pushed to seven, ten or even fifteen years before replacement.

Police vehicles, however, remain on tighter schedules due to heavy use, with patrol cars typically replaced every three years and administrative vehicles every five years. 

Facility and technology investments

The capital plan also includes continued investment in village facilities and technology.

Recent projects included replacing boilers at Village Hall at a cost of $140,980, along with parking lot repairs and upgrades to building systems. 

The village is also continuing its transition to cloud-based systems and planning upgrades to network infrastructure, computers and security systems.

Officials noted that Village Hall, now 47 years old, continues to require ongoing maintenance and improvements to address aging infrastructure and space limitations. 

Long-term planning focus

Village officials emphasized that the Capital Equipment Fund is essential to maintaining services and avoiding unexpected financial strain.

While removing items from the fund could provide short-term relief, staff warned that doing so would shift costs elsewhere and weaken long-term planning.

The capital equipment discussion is part of a broader multi-meeting review of the village’s preliminary budget, which will continue in the coming weeks before final approval.