Mundelein budget includes cash for road repairs, LED streetlights
Mundelein’s $77 million annual budget for the next fiscal year includes cash for street repairs and the installation of more LED streetlights, among other projects.
The village board unanimously approved the spending plan Monday. The 2026 fiscal year begins May 1.
Annual spending is expected to increase nearly 5% from the current year’s nearly $74 million total. Village finance director Linda Miller attributed the increase to a jump in infrastructure-related spending, among other areas.
Street repairs and rehabilitation projects will cost about $4.5 million this fiscal year, she said. Work is expected to begin in May.
Sections of French Drive, Gifford Court and George Drive are among those that will be resurfaced, plans indicate. Sections of Barnhill Drive, West Orchard Street and Emerald Avenue are among those that will be rebuilt.
Additionally, the village will conclude a multiyear effort to replace traditional streetlights with LEDs. That will begin in May and cost about $100,000, Miller said.
Light posts in the downtown area, primarily on Lake Street, will get LED equipment, officials said. Some will be installed on Seymour Avenue and Park Street, too.
The fire department will get a new ambulance this summer. It will cost $408,000, Miller said.
Officials predict the village's revenue from taxes, fees and other sources also will be about $67 million. The total is down about 1% from the current year’s nearly $68 million.
Miller attributed the change to expected decreases in investment earnings and fees from building permits.
The difference between expected spending and revenue will be bridged by the village’s cash reserves, Miller said.