Highwood City Council approves $16.8 million budget for FY 2026-2027
The Highwood City Council approved the annual appropriation ordinance for the 2026-2027 fiscal year at its July 21 meeting, setting maximum spending limits of $16,774,102 across all city funds. The vote was unanimous, with all present voting aye.
Budget and salaries approved
The appropriation ordinance covers the fiscal year beginning May 1, 2026 and ending April 30, 2027. According to the meeting agenda, the General Fund accounts for $8,685,905 of the total, including $3,460,786 for the Police Department and $1,644,529 for Administration and Finance.
Other major funds in the ordinance include:
- TIF Fund: $3,238,440, with $1,440,000 for infrastructure improvements and $864,000 for project management
- Waterworks and Sewerage Fund: $2,201,952, including $462,000 for a three-year capital plan and $298,106 for bond expense
- Capital Projects Fund: $888,000 for streets and parks departments
- Water Infrastructure Fund: $300,000 for lead service line replacement and water plant upgrades
- Library appropriation: $468,264
The Council also approved a separate ordinance on salary and compensation for the FYE 2027 budget year, with all present voting aye.
Water, easement, and equipment actions
In addition to the budget, the Council took several other unanimous votes on July 21:
- Approved High Street Water Service Line Replacements (all present voting aye)
- Approved a Plat of Easement for permanent access at 244 Waukegan Avenue (all present voting aye)
- Approved an ordinance authorizing the resale of surplus police equipment (all present voting aye)
- Approved the June 16, 2026 City Council and Committee of the Whole minutes (all present voting aye)
- Approved the July 21 AP Warrant List (all present voting aye)
The Committee of the Whole met the same evening and approved motions to enter and reconvene from executive session by voice vote. Minutes describe the meeting as primarily procedural, with several items reviewed for future Council approval.
Coming up
The City Council and Committee of the Whole both meet on August 4, 2026. Items on the agenda include:
- A liquor license agreement for Howard Hughes at 432 Sheridan Road, paired with an ordinance amendment to add a Class A liquor license to the city code, which would raise the total number of licenses from 10 to 11
- A $150,000 contract with K&L Contractors to mill and overlay High Street, Highwood Avenue, 1st Street, and the library alley
- A $128,615 remediation services agreement with Pioneer Engineering and Environmental Services for a contaminated site at 27 Prairie
- Review of an ARC application from Art Impact Project for a new wall sign at 134 North Ave.
- Committee discussions on vacant property development, waste hauling contracts, and a neighborhood watch program
These items are scheduled for consideration but have not yet been decided.