Proposed Mundelein budget includes millions for roadwork, water meters

The $88 million budget proposed for Mundelein’s next fiscal year includes funds for new water meters, road repairs, park improvements and other municipal projects.

But Village Administrator Eric Guenther hedged a discussion of the spending plan with concern about world events, saying they’re creating “economic uncertainty” at village hall.

Guenther publicly unveiled the budget Monday during a finance committee meeting at village hall. The village board is expected to approve the plan when it meets April 13. The 2027 fiscal year begins May 1.

Spending is expected to increase 10% from the 2026 fiscal year’s $80 million budgeted total, Guenther said. He attributed the increase to capital projects that will include:

· A villagewide water-meter replacement effort that’s scheduled to begin in May and will take nearly three years to complete, at an estimated $4 million cost in the new fiscal year and $8 million overall.

· Road projects that are set to begin in May and could cost nearly $6 million.

· Construction of a pedestrian bridge at Courtland Commons park, which will cost $273,000

· Consulting work and designs for a proposed collection of micro shops, which will cost $100,000.

· A roof replacement and other improvements at the village-owned Archer Business Center, which will begin in May and cost about $2 million.

During Monday’s discussion, Guenther revealed the Archer building, 165 N. Archer Ave., is for sale. Current tenants include the Tighthead Brewing Co., the nonprofit Mundelein Community Connection group and the North Central O Gaugers Model Railroad Club.

The proposed budget accounts for rising insurance rates totaling $1 million, Guenther said. He called it “an enormous surprise — and not the good kind.”

“The bad news about that is that the industry is indicating that’s going to be a continuing trend for the next couple of years,” Guenther said.

Revenues from property taxes, fees and other sources are expected to increase slightly to $71.7 million, from $71.5 million.

Shifting gears, Guenther talked about how unrest around the globe is causing financial pressures that will affect Mundelein’s bottom line. As an example, he noted that much of the village’s road salt supply comes from overseas, and that rising transportation costs will make it more expensive. As such, the village has ordered more salt already, he said.

The difference between expected spending and revenue will be bridged by the village’s cash reserves.