La Grange Park outlines $10 million road referendum and clarifies village cannot advocate

The Village of La Grange Park Board of Trustees discussed a planned road bond referendum that will appear on the March 2026 ballot seeking voter approval to issue $10,000,000 in bonds to fund the village's road improvement program and replace expiring bonds for road and fire equipment without increasing the village portion of property taxes.

Trustee Council described the referendum webpage and the village's proposed educational activities. "The referendum seeks voter approval to issue $10,000,000 in bonds to continue funding the village's road improvement program over the next decade without increasing the village portion of property taxes," Council said.

Several trustees expressed concern about how the village may assist with publicity. Manager Julia and village counsel clarified legal limits on municipal participation. Julia said staff plan educational efforts including a town hall and a detailed FAQ and that "we are limited to education only and encouraging people to vote." The village attorney added: "a municipal entity ... cannot advocate for or against a referendum. But you can provide educational, objective educational materials to the community."

Trustees agreed staff will prepare an educational PowerPoint for a January town hall, maintain a detailed FAQ on the village website and provide other fact-based outreach. Trustees and staff noted residents and private groups remain free to advocate independently.

The board did not take a formal vote on the referendum at the Nov. 25 meeting; it previewed the ballot question and confirmed the village's role will be limited to objective education and logistical information.