The council’s review of the proposed budget revealed an 8.73% increase in property tax revenue, attributed to sales and new construction. This was part of an overview which included estimated increases in utility franchise fees, electricity tax, health insurance, and property and casualty insurance. The recommended budget also proposed funding for police officer salaries and emergency transport services. A notable highlight was the maintenance of the current millage rate and its impact on the average homeowner.

A significant allocation of $932,000 from the budget was proposed for the planning of Tequesta Park, bolstered by a $340,000 grant from state appropriations. Further budget allocations included $890,000 for road and sidewalk maintenance, $103,000 for planning costs for Remembrance Park, and a robust $650,000 set aside for the second phase of the Remembrance Park project. The council also planned for bridge Capital Improvement with a $100,000 allocation in the next budget year and $350,000 for the year following.

In the realm of financial planning and analysis, the council unveiled a pie chart showing property taxes as a major revenue source. They also recounted the fund balance history, citing a previous deficit of $330,000 below their two-month operating budget in 2020, contrasting it with a projected $1.5 million surplus by the end of 2024. However, plans to utilize $500,000 to seed the vehicle replacement fund could impact this surplus.

The water utility budget was another focal point, with the council highlighting the transition from capital planning to execution. Projects included maintaining NEB Lab certification, rehabilitating wells and pumps, and advancements in water treatment plant upgrades and improvements. The council anticipated a positive net position by the end of 2025 and discussed using reserves for debt service and ongoing projects. Additionally, new charges for capital projects and expected increases in debt proceeds were part of the revenue projections.

The storm water fund and its related projects also received attention, with the council mentioning vulnerability assessments, infrastructure improvement grants, and planned rate increases. A storm water analysis was proposed to ensure accurate expenditure capture.

Strategic initiatives were a key part of the discussion, with the council outlining plans for additional state appropriations, the second phase of planning and construction for Remembrance Park, and a fee analysis for the storm water fund. The council also expressed intentions to conduct a future facilities plan, a high-level transportation plan, and a citizen-initiated petition process for undergrounding utilities.

Other priorities included transitioning to a business liaison position, continuing the sidewalk plan, establishing safe and quiet railroad crossings, and seeking initiatives to reduce the village’s carbon footprint. Addressing community recreation event needs, developing a construction impact policy, reviewing noise pollution control options, and educating the public on golf carts and ebikes were also discussed.

An intriguing operational detail concerned the establishment of a vehicle replacement fund, which saw a funding request of $500 from the general fund reserves. Clarification was provided on the confusion between the initial $500 seed amount and the $450 annual payment into the fund. Additionally, inquiries were made regarding electronic Knox boxes, which would replace current security boxes in buildings and fire trucks.

Regarding Remembrance Park, the council clarified that $650,000 was being set aside in the capital project fund for phase two, with a matching amount expected the following year, contingent upon phase one assessments.

The council raised concerns over delays and increased costs in water utility projects, urging staff to present clear cash flow projections and timelines. Additionally, the budget for the permanent relocation of the discharge pipe at the bridge was discussed, with the council deciding to remove it from the agenda before the next meeting.