© Tim Elliott

As major investments in land preservation, habitat restoration and public access move forward, the Lake County Forest Preserves’ Board of Commissioners approved a 2027 budget on Wednesday, October 14 that balances that progress with long-term financial stability.

The $110,623,379 budget represents a decrease of $4,303,860, or 3.7% from last year’s modified budget. The decrease reflects reduced capital spending and operating expenses. The plan covers expenditures from January 1 through December 31, 2027. 

Despite rising health insurance, personnel and other costs, operating expenditures remain essentially flat at $45.4 million, a decrease of 0.08% from the previous year’s modified budget. Spending was reduced or deferred in several areas to help offset those increases and focus resources on core services.

“I’m pleased with this balanced budget, which allows us to continue delivering on the commitments we made to Lake County residents,” said Forest Preserves President Jessica Vealitzek. “We’re protecting open space, restoring wildlife habitat and improving public access while carefully planning for the long-term needs of a growing preserve system.”

Of all property taxes collected in Lake County, less than 2% supports the Forest Preserves. The proposed property tax levy is $59,873,295, an increase of about 6.8%, excluding the recapture tax. The increase is largely attributable to debt service associated with the $155 million referendum approved by Lake County voters in November 2024.

A home worth $300,000 in 2009 would now be valued at about $370,916 with an estimated tax bill paid to the Forest Preserves of $186.71—about $12 more than last year and still lower than the $187 bill in 2009.

The Forest Preserves’ 10-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) remains central to responsible, forward-looking management. The 2027 CIP reflects the voter-approved 2024 referendum, which authorized $155 million in capital funds to expand and restore open space across Lake County.

The plan outlines projects that protect natural areas, enhance public access and modernize infrastructure—all designed to reduce long-term operating costs. Key elements include:

• Continued investment in land acquisition, habitat restoration, public access and infrastructure through referendum funding.
• An operating budget that remains essentially level, decreasing 0.08% from the previous year’s modified operating budget despite higher personnel and health insurance costs.
• Strategic reductions and deferred spending to offset rising costs and focus resources on core services and priorities.
• Support for The 2030 Plan, focused on leadership, organizational sustainability, conservation, public access and connections, and communication, education and outreach.
• Fiscal strength and transparency, maintaining a balanced budget, strong reserves and a Aaa Moody’s bond rating—a distinction held by only a handful of recreation districts nationwide.

“Lake County voters gave us an extraordinary opportunity to preserve more land, restore natural habitats and improve public access,” Vealitzek said. “This budget moves that work forward while ensuring the Forest Preserves remains financially strong for generations to come.”

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