New Lenox Approves $94 Million FY 2026-2027 Budget with Major Infrastructure Investments

New Lenox Village Board of Trustees Meeting | April 13, 2026

Article Summary: The New Lenox Village Board formally adopted its Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget, featuring a substantial surplus with operating revenues projected at over $94 million. The budget funds aggressive infrastructure improvements, including a new Cedar Road pump station and multiple water towers, alongside personnel expansion to address village growth.

FY 2026-2027 Budget Key Points:

• Surplus Projections: Operating revenues are budgeted at $94,036,752 against projected operating expenditures of $73,489,043.

• Infrastructure Surge: The budget funds major sewer and water projects, including the ongoing Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) and regional conveyance system construction.

• Personnel Growth: The Village is investing in seven new employees and implementing succession plans, factoring in a 4.5% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for staff.

• Economic Drivers: Projections assume the construction of 200 new residential homes, two hotels, and a 2.5% increase in sales tax revenue over the previous fiscal year.

The New Lenox Village Board on Monday, April 13, 2026, unanimously approved a resolution adopting a robust Fiscal Year 2026-2027 annual budget that heavily prioritizes sweeping utility infrastructure upgrades, roadway improvements, and strategic personnel growth.

Following a public hearing where no residents opted to speak, Finance Director Kim Auchstetter detailed the financial blueprint, noting that total operating budgeted revenues of $94,036,752 will significantly outpace operating expenditures of $73,489,043.

The Village’s strong financial position allows it to maintain a general fund operating balance equivalent to 10 months of reserves, easily exceeding the municipality’s 25% target.

Auchstetter explained that sales tax remains the primary driver of the general fund, accounting for 48% of its revenue. The new budget assumes a 2.5% increase in sales tax revenue over the current year, while also recognizing a home rule sales tax rate increase that took effect on January 1. Development projections also look strong; the budget assumes the permitting of 200 new residential homes and several commercial/industrial builds, including two new hotels near the Crossroads Sports Complex.

“For the focused development and redevelopment strategic priority, we have the Crossroads Sports Complex fieldhouse construction being started,” Auchstetter told the Board. “And also the new residential developments that will contribute additional lots include Teerling Lakes, Spencer Meadows, Lakes Park, Cedar Point, and Harlow Valley.”

A massive portion of the new budget is dedicated to infrastructure. On the sewer side, the Village will continue the extensive construction of the regional Water Resource Recovery Facility and the regional conveyance system. Additional capital investments include initiating the design of the Cedar Road and Somerfield Road pump stations, replacing aging water lines near Cedar and Wood Streets, and constructing a new water tower to serve the southeast quadrant of the Village. A second water tower will also be designed to benefit the Route 6 and Cedar Road areas.

The Village’s expanded Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) roadway program will continue, alongside planned improvements to the Route 30 medians and final infrastructure enhancements at the Village Commons.

On the personnel side, which accounts for 41% of the operating budget, the Village will hire seven new employees to keep pace with growth while implementing succession plans for future retirements. The budget includes a 4.5% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for staff.

The Board approved the budget in a 6-0 roll call vote, with Trustee Amy Gugliuzza absent. Prior to the vote, the Board also unanimously passed a resolution amending the annual budget for the outgoing 2025-2026 fiscal year to reconcile timing issues.