DuPage forest officials seek feedback on finances
DuPage County Forest Preserve officials unveiled plans Tuesday that could lead to improvements at preserves, but also could result in a tax increase.
Because interest rates have dropped, the forest preserve commission plans to refinance $38 million in debt that would result in saving $2 million. Officials and about 16 residents who attended a special meeting Tuesday night agreed refinancing is a smart move.
But what might happen next is sparking more debate.
“The question the board is trying to decide is ‘While we’re at it, should we take out some new money?’” interim Finance Director Jack Hogan said.
Commissioners are debating four scenarios.
First, staff could simply refinance the money and pass the $2 million in savings along to taxpayers. The owner of a $315,000 home would save 46 cents a year in forest preserve property taxes.
But the district also has three other options that officials say could fund improvements at St. James Farm near Warrenville and at Willowbrook Wildlife Center in Glen Ellyn.
The district can refinance the $38 million at a lower rate and take out $4 million in new debt. That would negate the savings and leave tax rates unchanged, Hogan said, because the district’s debt repayments would remain the same.
Two other options would raise taxes. Hogan said commissioners could vote to refinance and then borrow $10 million. That would add 34 cents a year based on today’s interest rates to the tax bill of a resident who owns a $315,000 home. The final option is to borrow $20 million, adding $1.51 to the tax bill for that same homeowner, Hogan said.
Only a handful of residents spoke on the topic Tuesday, with Tom Richardson of the DuPage Sierra Club saying additional funds might be better used to purchase or restore lands. District 3 Democratic candidate Steven Leopoldo said the savings should be returned to taxpayers, and spoke against new borrowing.
Forest preserve President D. “Dewey” Pierotti Jr. said he thinks borrowing either $4 million or $10 million are the ideal choices, saying it would allow improvements to preserves that would benefit DuPage County in the long run.
“I know in the back of their mind, commissioners don’t want to say they’ve raised taxes,” Pierotti said. “But it’s up to them if they want to give back a few cents for short-term political gain. If they are thinking of a long-range benefits of the district, you’re never going to be able to get cheaper money then this.”
St. James Farm and Willowbrook are the two areas targeted for up to about $9.9 million in improvements. Willowbrook alone handles about 120,000 visitors annually.
“We want to get more people into the sites, we want to get them excited and these improvements could also generate more potential for grants and fundraising,” Planning Director Andrea Hoyt said.
Ideally under master plans that were approved in 2010 and 2011, respectively, St. James would see $4.9 million in upgrades and Willowbrook would see $5 million. That includes upgrading the aging riding arenas and show stables at St. James and making the restrooms accessible under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The farm would also connect its water and sewer systems with the city of Wheaton.
At Willowbrook, improvements would include expanding the parking lot and stormwater detention for development, as well as upgrading the species recovery facility and about half the outdoor animal exhibits.
Forest preserve commissioners will vote on the financial options Tuesday, and Pierotti encourages residents to email forest@dupageforest.com or call the district at (630) 933-7200 before then with suggestions or comments.
Suggested forest preserve projects
<b>St. James Farm: $4.9 million</b>
Ÿ The 16,650-square-foot riding arena was completed in 1963 and, once upgraded, can be used for exhibitions and clinics that include not just equestrian events, but activities like archery or plant sales.
Cost: $1 million
Ÿ The 12,300-square-foot show stable was built in 1983 and includes a stable for 65 horse stalls and multiple washing facilities. Officials say upgrades could allow the facility to be used for short-term stabling in the case of special events.
Cost: $635,000
Ÿ The east farm area restrooms must be removed and replaced. Improvements would include adding modern plumbing, moving restrooms near the picnic area, and modifying the facilities to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Cost: $470,000
Ÿ The picnic pavilion is also near the east farm area and was constructed in the 1980s. The 5,000-square-foot area can accommodate up to 200 people, and improvements would include bringing water to the site for public use.
Cost: $175,000
Ÿ St. James must connect its water main and sewer systems to Wheatons distribution system for public access. Cost: $2.6 million
<b>Willowbrook Wildlife Center: $5 million Ÿ Realign entry road and enhance it with landscaping. Cost: $140,000 </b>
Ÿ Expand parking to allow for a 100-car parking lot and make traffic-flow improvements. Also add permeable pavers with stormwater detention beneath the lot for future development of the site.
Cost: $1.6 million
Ÿ Ancillary buildings at the existing rehabilitation center would be expanded and upgraded for more food storage for animals, maintenance tool shop, animal release staging area, and the receivable area for deliveries.
Cost: $1. 6 million
Ÿ Upgrade the species recovery facility, which would enhance the quality of life for Willowbrook animals and provide space for programs that have to be isolated from the public. Education or exhibit opportunities exist to provide insight into this program without subjecting animals to noise and physical contact with humans.
Cost: $290,000
Ÿ Improve 50 percent of outdoor animal exhibits with upgrades and expansions. Cost: $1.4 million