(Dec. 16, 2020) — The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County approved a 2021 budget that continues to demonstrate the agency’s value to DuPage County residents.
“I think it’s a very sound, fiscally responsible budge that reflects wise use of the financial resources available to the District,” said Jack Hogan, District director of Finance and Administration.
Initiatives slated for funding in 2021 include continued master plan work on natural resource restoration and building infrastructure projects; continued gas and leachate improvements to the landfill at Blackwell Forest Preserve; continued staffing and equipment upgrades at Willowbrook Wildlife Center; and continued website redesign work and rollout.
The budget includes $38.7 million in operating expenses and $25.6 million in capital expenses. Earlier in the month the board approved a $51.2 million tax levy for 2020, which is a $477,075 increase over the 2019 tax levy. $22.2 million of the total amount goes to paying bond and interest.
An average of 2% of a DuPage County homeowner’s tax bill funds the District’s budget. For example, a homeowner with property that has an assessed valuation of $300,000 pays on average only $121 annually to the District. Of that $121, $70 funds the agency’s annual operations to ensure taxpayers enjoy numerous services within the District’s 26,000 acres of land, 60 forest preserves, 600 acres of lakes and 166 miles of trails. The remaining $51 funds voter-approved referendums.
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County has been connecting people to nature for more than 100 years. More than 4 million people visit its 60 forest preserves, 166 miles of trails, six education centers and scores of programs each year. For information, call 630-933-7200 or visit dupageforest.org, where you can also link to the District’s e-newsletter, blog, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.
# # #