Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to commonly asked questions about the referendum and what it means for residents.

What is the Village proposing? 

The Village is proposing a $10 million road bond referendum to continue investing in critical road improvements throughout La Grange Park. This would allow the Village to maintain and repave streets as part of its ongoing Road Improvement Program over the next decade.

Why does the Village need to issue bonds to fund road maintenance? 

As a non-home rule municipality, the Village’s ability to borrow is limited and must be authorized by voters. The cost of maintaining and repaving streets far exceeds revenues from sources like the Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) and vehicle stickers. While helpful, these sources are not nearly enough to fund the level of street work needed each year. 

Engineering evaluations and pavement condition index (PCI) scores tracked in the Village’s Pacer Program show that at least $1.3 million in annual infrastructure investments are needed to maintain safe, reliable roads. Current revenues are not sufficient to meet these goals while also supporting other capital needs and day-to-day operations.

What does it mean that La Grange Park is a non-home rule municipality, and why do we need a referendum to issue bonds?

Under the Illinois Constitution, municipalities with fewer than 25,000 residents are automatically non-home rule unless voters approve home-rule authority through a referendum. Non-home rule municipalities only have powers granted by the State of Illinois or those necessary to carry them out. Home-rule municipalities have broader authority, including the ability to create new taxes, borrow without a referendum, and adopt and enforce local laws, set higher fines, and address health and safety issues more independently.

For La Grange Park, non-home rule status limits how the Village can finance projects. The Village may not impose certain local taxes without state authorization, and it cannot issue general obligation bonds, the primary way to fund major infrastructure, without voter approval. State law therefore requires a referendum before the Village can issue bonds supported by property taxes for roadway improvements.

Why do this now? 

Planning ahead ensures no disruption to the Village’s Road Improvement Program. The 2016 bond, approved by 77% of voters, allowed the Village to complete over 11 miles of roadway improvements, improving the overall condition and safety of our streets. With those bonds expiring in 2026, this referendum would continue the progress already made.

Aren’t residents already paying taxes for road maintenance?

Yes, but the property taxes supporting road bonds that were approved in 2016 will expire in 2026, so this would continue the progress made over the past 10 years, allowing the Village to maintain high-quality roads.

How is this different than the last Road Referendum?

It’s very similar. However, in 2016 funding was needed for fire apparatus as well. This referendum is for road paving only. The roads selected will be prioritized based on condition.

Will this increase my taxes?

No. If approved, this referendum will not increase the Village portion of your property tax bill. The proposed bonds would replace the existing 2016 Road Bonds and Fire Equipment Bonds, which are scheduled to expire in 2026. This new issuance would continue the same level of funding without adding to your tax burden.

Will there be a reduction in my taxes (Village portion) if the referendum does not pass?

If the referendum does not pass, the portion of your property tax bill that supports the 2016 Road and Fire Equipment Bonds will be removed once those bonds are fully paid off in 2026. The Village’s share of the overall property tax bill typically represents about 10 - 13%, depending on your school district, and the bond levy makes up only about 22% of that (10 - 13%) portion. While residents would see a modest reduction, they would lose the dedicated funding source for ongoing road resurfacing and infrastructure improvements. Without the continuation of bond funding, the Village would need to scale back or delay projects significantly, which would increase long-term costs as roads deteriorate and require more extensive, and expensive, repairs in the future.

How will the question be written on the ballot?

Shall the Village of La Grange Park, Cook County, Illinois, undertake road improvements in and for the Village, including street resurfacing and sidewalk repair, all on property owned by the Village or over which the Village has sufficient easements, and issue its general obligation bonds to the amount of $10,000,000 for the purpose of paying the costs thereof, said bonds bearing interest at not to exceed the rate of 6.00% per annum?

Why is the referendum question written in that manner? 

State law requires that referendum questions follow very specific legal language. While the wording may appear technical, it is written to comply with Illinois statutes governing public referenda. Additional explanatory materials - like this FAQ - are provided by the Village to help clarify the purpose and impact of the referendum.

Why does the question include an interest rate at 6%?

State law requires that the bond question include a “not-to-exceed” interest rate. While the Village fully expects the actual rate to be significantly lower, listing a 6% cap provides flexibility in structuring the bonds and helps accommodate any market fluctuations that may occur before the bonds are issued.

How were the 2016 Road Bond funds used?

Since 2016, the Village:

• Completed over 11 miles of roadway improvements
• Upgraded curb and gutter systems
• Improved drainage and sidewalk infrastructure
• Improved the overall road quality rating across La Grange Park

Why did we not save money for these projects? 

The Village has taken deliberate steps to set aside funding for critical infrastructure needs. For example, it has saved $2 million to support the Central Area Sewer Separation Project, along with additional funds for paving projects not covered by the 2016 Road Bond.

However, the scale and cost of a comprehensive road improvement program make it impractical to fund solely through annual savings, particularly while continuing to provide high-quality municipal services. In 2016, La Grange Park voters approved two bond referenda: $10 million for roads and $1.1 million for Fire Department apparatus, including a new ladder truck and ambulance, investments that addressed pressing public safety and infrastructure needs.

Today, the Village is in a stronger financial position to fund individual capital purchases (such as police, fire and public works vehicles and equipment) through its ongoing capital planning process. However, a sustained, annual road program, estimated at $1.3 million per year, remains beyond what can be supported through the General Fund alone. Bonding remains the most cost-effective and fiscally responsible way to meet long-term road improvement needs, especially considering that La Grange Park's property tax rate is lower than many communities in our area.

What will the new bonds fund?

The new bonds will fund:

• Street resurfacing and reconstruction projects across the Village
• Stormwater drainage improvements as part of road reconstruction
• Long-term investment in infrastructure that supports property values and public safety

Was the 2016 Road Bonds Program a success? How many miles of road were paved?

Yes, the 2016 Road Bonds Program was a success. At the time, the Village had many streets with declining surface conditions, and the program provided a way to address those needs on a large scale. The $10 million in road bonds were issued at a very low interest rate, and pricing was favorable, which allowed the Village to maximize the investment. As a result, 11.4 miles of roadway were completed between 2016 and 2019 (supported in part by some grant funding).

Why do our roads need to be repaired so frequently? 

Short answer: because pavement wears out, our climate is hard on it, and good stewardship means fixing problems before they become expensive failures.  In practical terms, asphalt overlays have a limited service life. Traffic loads (including buses and trucks), snowplows and de-icing salt, sun and heat, and especially Midwest freeze-thaw cycles cause cracks and ruts. Water then seeps through those cracks and weakens the sub-base, accelerating deterioration. Drainage issues, tree roots, and past utility cuts can also shorten how long a surface holds up. What looks like “frequent” work is often the life-cycle process done in stages. You’ll see crack sealing and patching to extend life, then curb/ADA repairs and inlet adjustments, followed by grind-and-resurface, and in some areas, striping. Emergency utility repairs (e.g., a water-main break) can add another visit, with permanent restoration scheduled when weather and contractor availability allow. Coordinating with larger projects can also mean multiple mobilizations on the same block, but it prevents us from paving and then tearing a street open later.

Is the Village maintaining the streets that were repaved with the 2016 Road Bonds?

Yes. Streets completed under the 2016 Road Bond Program are included in the Village’s ongoing pavement management and maintenance efforts. The Village uses tools such as crack sealing, patching, and localized repairs to extend the life of these streets and protect the investment made through the bond program. Regular maintenance helps delay the need for costly reconstruction and ensures that streets remain safe and functional for as long as possible. While every resurfaced street will eventually require another layer of pavement due to normal wear and weathering, the Village’s maintenance program is designed to maximize longevity and preserve overall road quality throughout the community.

Is the Village assessing the condition of the streets that were repaved with the 2016 Road Bonds?

Yes. The Village regularly assesses the condition of all streets, including those resurfaced through the 2016 Road Bond Program. Pavement evaluations are conducted by the Village Engineer using standardized rating systems such as the Pavement Condition Index (PCI) to measure surface wear, cracking, and other signs of deterioration over time. These evaluations help the Village track pavement performance, plan for future maintenance, and determine when additional work may be needed. By continuously monitoring street conditions, the Village ensures that maintenance funds are used efficiently and that recently improved roads remain in good condition for as long as possible.

How soon would the Village issue bonds and when will my taxes increase? 

If approved, the Village anticipates issuing bonds beginning in summer 2026. The new bond tax levy would be included on the 2027 property tax bill, but there will be no increase to the Village portion of the levy due to the new bonds. The new levy will replace the existing Road and Fire Equipment Bonds, which are set to expire in 2026, resulting in a level bond levy moving forward.

What happens if the referendum does not pass?

If the referendum is not approved, the Village would lose a key funding source to continue the Road Improvement Program. The Village would have to:

• Significantly scale back or delay road improvements
• Explore alternative funding options, which may require new taxes or special assessments

When will the referendum appear on the ballot? 

The referendum will appear on the ballot during the Illinois General Primary Election on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. Please check the Village website or contact the Village Clerk’s Office for more information.

What are bonds?

A bond is essentially a loan. The Village issues bonds and receives money from the sale of those bonds to investors. The proceeds are used to fund public projects—such as road improvements—and the Village then pays back the borrowed money over time, with interest.

The repayment of the loan is collected through the property tax bill and then used by the Village to make scheduled payments to the lender (bondholders). This is a standard and secure method of funding public infrastructure projects.

Why does issuing bonds increase residents’ taxes?

When general obligation bonds are issued, they are backed by the full faith and credit of the Village, which means the Village is legally required to levy property taxes to repay the debt. The funds collected through this levy are restricted and used solely to pay the principal and interest on the bonds. While the issuance of new bonds typically results in an increase in the property tax levy, in this case, there will be no increase in the Village portion of the tax levy. The new bonds will replace the expiring 2016 Road and Fire Equipment Bonds, and the bond tax levy will remain at a consistent level.

What is the Village’s bond rating and does that help the process? 

The Village last issued bonds in 2016 for the Road Bond and Fire Equipment Bond. At that time, the Village received an AA+ rating from Standard & Poor’s, which is just one step below the highest possible rating of AAA. This high bond rating reflects the Village’s strong financial management and allows the Village to borrow funds at lower interest rates, saving taxpayers money over time.

How much debt does the Village currently owe?

The Village currently has $2.69 million in bonds outstanding. The $2.32 million in bonds paid with property taxes - from the 2016 Road and Fire Equipment Bond issues - will be paid off by the end of 2026. The $370,000 in bonds paid with sewer fees – from the 2006 sewer projects – will be paid off in 2025. The proposed Road Bond Referendum would continue the same level of property tax funding as the 2016 bonds. The Village also plans to issue up to $5 million in bonds in late 2025 for the Central Area Sewer Separation Project, which will again be paid using sewer fees, not property taxes.

Aren’t the sewer bonds general obligation bonds? 

The sewer bonds are alternate revenue bonds. This means they are repaid using revenues other than property taxes, such as sewer fees. However, they are backed by a general obligation, which requires the Village to levy a property tax only if the pledged revenues are not sufficient to make the bond payments. To date, no property tax levy has been needed to support these bonds.

Does the Village anticipate success with bond issuance?

Yes. If approved by voters, the Village is well-positioned for a successful bond issuance. General obligation bonds remain a favorable and reliable financing tool, and the Village has taken proactive steps to ensure a smooth and cost-effective process.

The Village works closely with its financial advisor and bond counsel to ensure the bonds are properly structured, legally compliant, and market-ready. As part of this preparation, the Village will submit an updated credit rating presentation to Standard & Poor’s (S&P) seeking to reaffirm or improve its current AA+ rating. A strong credit rating helps secure the most competitive interest rates, ultimately saving taxpayers money. These preparations reflect the Village’s commitment to responsible financial management and its long-standing record of sound fiscal planning.

Are there other revenue options? 

Yes, but they are limited. The Village actively works to diversify its revenues and pursue external funding to support public improvements. Tools like Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and Business Development Districts (BDDs) provide dedicated revenue for eligible improvements within defined areas. However, these sources are restricted in scope and duration, and the Village still faces more capital needs than available funding.

Recognizing this challenge, the Village has been highly successful in securing grant funding to reduce the local tax burden and bring outside dollars into the community. Over the past several years, the Village has received millions of dollars in competitive grant awards from federal, state, county, and regional agencies. These grants have funded projects such as:

• $5.5 million in grants for the Central Area Sewer Separation Project from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD), U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the State of Illinois
• Over $1.1 million from Rebuild Illinois for street, facility, and infrastructure improvements
• Funding for emergency equipment, public safety upgrades, and traffic enforcement
• Awards from Cook County, IDOT, IRMA, FEMA, and others

In addition to grants, the Village has been successful in setting aside $2 million in savings to support the Central Area Sewer Separation Project, demonstrating long-term financial planning and a commitment to addressing flooding concerns.

Despite these efforts, grants and savings alone cannot fully cover the scale of infrastructure investment needed. Bonding remains the most reliable and scalable option for implementing a comprehensive, multi-year road improvement program, especially one that can begin in 2026 with no increase to the Village’s property tax rate.

What do Village vehicle stickers pay for?

Village vehicle stickers help fund street maintenance and repair including salting, patching and snow plowing. Whereas, the Road Improvement Program will fund repaving selected streets throughout the Village.

How do I know you won’t divert funds from this referendum to pay for other purposes? 

This referendum is for the issuance of bonds supported by property taxes, not a general property tax increase. The Village’s use of the bond proceeds will be limited by law to the purposed described in the propositions. 

How do La Grange Park taxes compare to other neighboring communities?

Based on the most recent available data from 2023, La Grange Park’s tax rate is 1.072, which is lower than most nearby communities with the exception of a few higher-EAV municipalities. This allows the Village to maintain high-quality services and infrastructure while keeping the local tax burden relatively low.  Here’s how La Grange Park compares:

*Note: Property tax rates should always be viewed in context. Communities with higher property values (EAVs) can generate more revenue at lower rates, while others may require higher rates to provide similar revenue. Direct comparisons don’t always reflect differences in service levels, infrastructure needs, or fiscal capacity.

Do other nearby communities issue bonds to pay for street maintenance? 

Yes. Many nearby non-home-rule communities have gone to their voters for approval to issue general obligation (GO) bonds to pay for street maintenance and other large infrastructure projects. Because state law limits how much non-home-rule municipalities can borrow without voter authorization, issuing GO bonds is one of the few ways to fund large-scale improvements. GO bonds require taxing power to repay the debt through property taxes, and typically have up to a 20-year repayment period. The funds must be used within a set time frame, usually five to ten years, which ensures they are directed toward immediate infrastructure needs.  Neighboring communities often include roadway improvements in their GO bond programs because much of their infrastructure is aging, they are responsible for maintaining significant miles of public rights-of-way, and the rising cost of construction means that available reserves cannot stretch far enough to meet the need. Local governments also face limited revenue sources for capital investment, so bond programs become essential to fund projects of this size and scope. This approach allows municipalities to invest in critical infrastructure today while spreading the cost over time, rather than relying solely on limited reserves.

Which streets are included in the work done through the 2026 Referendum?

The 2026 Road Bond Referendum is focused on the streets in La Grange Park that are in the worst condition and require extensive repair. Based on engineering evaluations and pavement condition ratings, the proposed list includes Castle Circle, Kings Court, Forest Road (31st to 26th), Homestead (Oak to Jackson), Kensington (Oak to Jackson), Catherine (Harding to Jackson), Newberry (Harding to Dead End), Harrison (31st to 29th), Raymond (30th to 26th), Woodlawn (La Grange Road to Edgewood), Richmond (La Grange Road to Edgewood), Ashland (Woodlawn to Oak), and Brainard (Harding to 31st, scheduled under a grant-funded resurfacing program). These streets have “failed” or “serious” ratings, poor sub-base conditions, and curb and gutter systems that no longer provide adequate drainage. Without addressing these issues, simple resurfacing would not hold up, and the roads would quickly deteriorate again.

At the same time, it is important to note that there is a strong likelihood that not every street on the list can be paved with the 2026 Road Bond alone. Construction bid prices have increased substantially since the 2016 bond program, and the cost of financing has also changed. As a result, available funding may not be enough to cover the entire list of projects. The Village will work to maximize the impact of the bond by supplementing it with Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) funds, state and federal grant dollars, and any other available resources. Final project selection will depend on actual bid costs, funding levels, and opportunities to coordinate paving with other infrastructure work, such as water main and sewer improvements, so that roads are not resurfaced only to be opened again later.

How long will it take to complete this work?

We estimate that it will take 3 years to complete the work funded by these road bonds.

How many miles of road do we have?

The Village has 38 miles of roadway.

How much does it cost to resurface a mile or block?

The current cost to resurface streets varies depending on the scope of work, but on average it is about $360,000 per block, or roughly $3.2 million per mile. These costs are significantly higher than they were during the 2016 (through 2019) road bond program, reflecting both rising construction prices and the more complex nature of the work now required. Current projects often involve extensive curb and gutter replacement to improve drainage, along with more sub-base repairs than were needed in the past. In addition, the cost of borrowing is higher today than it was in 2016, which further increases the overall expense of completing a comprehensive road program.

How much does the Village typically spend on roads annually?

The Village does not have a fixed amount it spends on road improvements each year. Spending depends on available revenues, grant funding, project scope, and construction bids. While engineering evaluations demonstrate that at least $1.3 million per year is needed to maintain our streets, the actual program size changes from year to year.  For example, the next major resurfacing project is the 300 and 400 blocks of Park Road, scheduled to begin in spring 2026 at an estimated cost of $1.5 million. This work will be funded through a combination of Motor Fuel Tax dollars and state grant funds.

How often do our streets get re-paved currently? 

The Village maintains over 38 miles of streets of varying widths. We manage repaving through a budget-driven life-cycle program, not a fixed calendar. Each year our engineer assesses street conditions (surface and sub-base), identifies where partial or full curb replacement is needed, considers construction pricing, and matches those needs to the funding available. We bundle nearby streets to gain economies of scale and coordinate with underground utility work when possible.  

In 2016, residents approved road bonds to address a 70-year repaving cycle that was far too long. Those bonds allowed us to accelerate work and move closer to a maintainable 35-year repaving cycle. With today’s higher construction costs, if road bonds are continued, our repaving cycle will run longer than the 35-year goal, but the continued funding keeps us much closer to that target and allows us to complete streets not addressed in the 2016 program – and without increasing taxes. If the road bonds are not continued, and there’s no comparable, reliable funding source, the cycle will lengthen quickly and significantly, pushing us back toward the pre-2016 trajectory. That means streets wait longer to be addressed, costs rise as projects shift from simple grind-and-resurface to deeper base repairs or full reconstruction, and funding becomes more difficult to secure. 

What materials does the Village use to repair roads? 

Asphalt will be used for roads, along with concrete curbs.

Why is the Village using asphalt instead of concrete for repaving roads?

The Village is using asphalt to resurface roads, while concrete will be reserved for curbs. Although full-depth concrete reconstruction can last for several decades, it’s significantly more expensive. Asphalt, with a typical service life of 12–15 years, offers a cost-effective alternative that allows the Village to improve more streets within the available budget, maximizing impact while maintaining quality.

Why do our streets get so torn up?

La Grange Park is a densely-populated community with a high volume of daily vehicle traffic. This concentrated usage - combined with the frequent passage of heavy-duty vehicles such as garbage trucks, construction equipment, and snow plows - places significant stress on our roadways. As previously noted, seasonal weather also plays a role. Snow removal operations and salting, while essential for safety, further contribute to surface damage over time. The Village remains committed to maintaining and improving our infrastructure. We continuously assess road conditions and prioritize repairs to ensure safe and reliable transportation for all residents.

How does this benefit the community? If my street is not included in the referendum, why should I support this?

Improved roads benefit everyone in the community:

• Enhanced safety for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists
• Better curb appeal and increased property values
• Fewer maintenance costs for vehicle owners
• Cost-effective planning by leveraging historically low interest rates and maintaining a stable tax levy

How long does the work on these roads last?

The Village’s standard grind-and-resurface (mill and overlay) with asphalt typically provides about 10–15 years of service life before another surface treatment is needed. Actual longevity varies by conditions on each block. Heavier traffic (including trucks and buses), drainage issues, freeze-thaw cycles, and weak sub-base can shorten life; strong sub-base support, good drainage, and routine maintenance (crack sealing, patching) can extend it. The curb/ADA upgrades and spot base repairs completed with resurfacing generally last longer than the asphalt surface itself. For comparison, full-depth reconstruction or concrete streets can last several decades, but they cost significantly more; resurfacing allows the Village to address more streets within the budget.

Will the project include repairing driveway aprons?

Yes. Where curb and gutter are replaced in front of a driveway, the project will include improvements to at least half of that driveway apron. Property owners will also have the option to have the remaining half replaced at the Village’s contract pricing.

Will this improve flooding issues in the Village?

Yes, but in different ways. When we grind and resurface a street, we restore the road’s crown and cross-slope, reset inlets and manholes to proper grade, and replace failed curb and gutter as needed. Over time, traffic, weathering, and utility cuts can create low spots that hold water; resurfacing corrects those deficiencies so stormwater moves to the gutter and into inlets more reliably. These are incremental, localized drainage improvements and they can reduce nuisance ponding but do not add sewer capacity or solve neighborhood-scale flooding on their own.

Where paving overlaps with the Central Area Sewer Separation Project, the benefits are much larger. That project adds new, dedicated storm sewers, underground storage, a storm pump station, and related upgrades to increase system capacity. Homestead Road, for example, will be resurfaced due to its condition and because segments of the new separated storm system will run beneath it. In those overlap areas, resurfaced streets will drain to a stronger, higher-capacity system, producing a more meaningful reduction in flooding risk.

In short, paving projects improve how water gets off the street surface, while the sewer separation project provides the capacity needed for broader flood relief. Coordinating the two, where scopes and timing align, will likely yield the most impactful results.

Will streets that are not included in this program still get patched or repaired?

Yes, streets not listed for repaving will still receive maintenance. The Village remains committed to patching and repairing roads as needed to ensure safe and reliable travel throughout the community.

Is this work being done by the Village? Or will the Village hire contractors to do the work? If using contractors, how are they selected?

The Village will hire outside contractors through a competitive bidding process, awarding the work to the lowest qualified bidder. By planning to complete all paving within five years, we aim to secure favorable pricing and take advantage of economies of scale, ensuring efficient use of resources while delivering long-term improvements.

Other Village Programs

How will the Lead Service Line Replacement Program impact road work? Is the Village coordinating these efforts to minimize construction and costs?

Yes. Lead service replacements require spot excavations in parkways and, at times, the street. We sequence service replacements before scheduled resurfacing wherever possible (“dig once”) and bundle by block to get better pricing and reduce duplicative traffic control and restoration. If an unavoidable cut occurs on a recently paved street, we apply higher restoration standards (full-lane or panel restoration to match grade and ride) to protect pavement life.

How does the Central Area Storm Sewer Separation Project impact road work?

Separation involves major underground construction (new storm mains, storage, pump station, force main) and will open select corridors; those corridors are then repaved after utility work to deliver a finished street and upgraded ADA ramps/curb where needed. Homestead Road is a good example, its resurfacing is tied to both current condition and the installation of portions of the new separated storm system beneath it, so the street surface will drain to a higher-capacity system when complete.

Are any other projects being taken into consideration such as the District 102 improvements? 

Yes. We will coordinate schedules and work routes with District 102 to maintain access for buses, drop-off/pick-up, and emergency response, and we avoid peak school periods when feasible. We will also work to align paving with other public utility work and concurrent Village initiatives (Central Area Sewer Separation Project), so we don’t pave and then open the street later. This coordination minimizes disruption, prevents redundant costs, and extends the useful life of the finished pavement.

Where can I learn more?

The Village will host community meetings and publish additional materials to ensure residents have the information they need to make an informed decision. Updates will be posted on the Village website at:
www.lagrangepark.org

Who can I contact with questions?

Please reach out to the Village at (708) 354-0225 or via email at info@lagrangepark.org.

Thank you for staying informed and helping shape the future of La Grange Park’s infrastructure.