Village Manager's Message

12/20/24 - I wish everyone a Happy New Year as this is the last Weekly Status Report of the year.

Next year, in an effort to be more efficient, we will be changing the format of the Weekly Report. We will dispense with weekly statistics and photos. This simple format will vastly reduce the amount of time it takes to produce what amounts to a once-a-week magazine. The charts and data will be compiled and shared publicly in a Monthly report with a greater emphasis on the comparison of the current month versus the same month of the prior year, and 2025 year-to-date versus 2024 year-to-date. We will also report regularly on the Strategic Plan progress.

As we close 2024 we celebrated the reopening of Lufkin Park, which has been hugely popular. We saw the completion of the Tri-Trail Connector, developed a Strategic Plan, and completed several infrastructure improvements including road improvements to North Iowa and North Wisconsin, and held annual events including nine concerts in Cortesi Park, Summer Festival, Brewfest, and Autumn Jubilee – put on by the F.U.N Commission. We also partnered with the Kiwanis Club on four concerts at Ruggard Pavillion, the VFW for a very successful Fourth of July Parade, and with the Chamber of Commerce for Joyful Traditions.

2025 promises to be even more successful with the opening of the Villa Park Recreation Center (VPRC) on Friday, January 3rd. On Monday, January 13th we will have our Ribbon Cutting ceremony at 5:30 pm. See the new Parks & Recreation website for detailed information on hours of operation and membership options, and to explore the wide range of programs we’ll be offering in the new building – including some exciting new additions.

Last week we adopted the annual budget after a last-minute flurry of activity to expand the amount of money spent on tree planting by adding an employee in Streets and Forestry and $100,000 in contracted services for additional tree planting. This year’s budget includes an approved $32,326,882 in the General Fund and a total budget with transfers that totals $91,785,166. We anticipate $27,971,177 in General Fund Revenues and $78,840,054 in total Revenues as we spend down fund balances to complete capital projects, including the Recreation Center, and the Washington Street Sewer Separation project.

I met with representatives of The Union project as we're aiming for a final version of the RDA for presentation to the public in January and approval in February. I met twice with BS&A staff and the Village team in preparation for launching the new software. I took the chance to meet and eat lunch with our three newest paramedic/firefighters Evan Swanson, William Schermer, and Steven Schimanski. I also met individually and collectively with Department Heads. View the full report here.

Matt Harline

Village Manager