Village Budget Shifts Toward Surplus Amid Rising Costs

Tinley Park has drafted a new budget that shows a small surplus for next year. The plan expects about $2. 18 million more in money than it spends by the end of fiscal 2027. The village will spend roughly $82 million next year, up from last year, while revenue is projected to reach about $84 million. That gives a cushion of a few million dollars. The previous fiscal year, ending April 30, ended with a $2. 62 million surplus. The interim finance director praised the past leaders for keeping finances in good shape. Higher staff salaries and health‑insurance costs are driving the jump in spending. In 2025, post‑employment benefits cost over $1 million, a big increase from the $614, 000 spent in 2023. To cover these costs, the village raised property taxes by 3. 8% on January 1, 2026. This is the first increase since 2022. The change also added about $5. 7 million for the police pension fund, a 4. 9% rise.Sales and amusement taxes were also lifted in June. The home‑rule sales tax went from 0. 75% to 1%, and the amusement tax increased from 5% to 6%. These hikes affect concert attendees and shoppers. Because oil prices are high, the village shortened its fuel contract from one year to six months with Al Warren Oil Company. The new deal keeps the price per gallon between $3. 15 and $3. 25 for unleaded, and $3. 75 to $3. 85 for diesel. The bulk purchase still saves money compared to gas stations. Capital projects are being trimmed. Spending on capital improvements will fall by $1. 6 million, from $26. 5 to $24. 9 million. The village will also use hotel‑tax reserves for Convention Center upgrades and parking improvements. The budget shows a healthy balance in the enterprise funds, and the capital‑project reserve sits at about $69 million. This gives the village room to keep building beyond 2027. A public hearing on the budget will take place at 5:55 p. m. on April 21 at Village Hall before the board votes to adopt it.