New fire station, bank renovation among key projects in proposed Des Plaines budget

Des Plaines’ $230 million budget for the 2026 fiscal year includes funds for a new fire station and the renovation of a downtown landmark, as well as street improvements, sewer upgrades and other public projects.

The city council approved the spending plan without debate or objection Monday night. The city’s fiscal year begins Jan. 1.

The budget is about $32 million greater than the current fiscal year’s $198 million total — an increase of roughly 16%.

Spending will be greater next year than it was in 2025 in part because of what city spokesperson Brad Goodman called “major capital commitments.” They include the construction of a new Fire Station No. 62 at 1313 E. Oakton St., which will cost nearly $8.2 million; the renovation of the former bank building at 678 Lee St., ahead of its conversion to a restaurant, a project that will cost the city up to $12 million; an estimated $13.6 million in street and sidewalk repairs; and nearly $9 million in water main and sewer improvements.

Spending on streets, sidewalks and sewers will be up in 2026 from this year, City Manager Dorothy Wisniewski said.

City officials also anticipate spending $3 million to expand the public works facility at 1111 Joseph J. Schwab Road.

“This year’s budget emphasizes enhancing public safety and capital infrastructure,” Goodman said.

City officials expect to collect nearly $160 million in property taxes, fees and other revenue in 2025. That’s about as much as the projected income for the current fiscal year.

“Overall revenues remain relatively stable,” Goodman said.

The roughly $70 million gap between spending and revenue will be covered by cash reserves, Goodman said.

“The city continues to operate without new debt,” he said. “It remains on track to be debt-free by 2028, having paid down more than $100 million in general obligation debt since 2005 while financing major projects directly from cash resources.”

The 506-page budget document can be found online at desplainesil.gov.