Villa Park approves Sugar Creek Golf Course 2026 budget; trustees seek clearer intergovernmental oversight

The Village of Villa Park voted Jan. 12 to approve the Sugar Creek Golf Course annual budget for 2026 after a presentation by Manager Rivas and Park and Recreation Director Tim Howe. Trustees pressed for more transparency about how revenue and expenses are shared with the Elmhurst Park District under a long-standing intergovernmental agreement.

Director Tim Howe explained that the golf-course agreement alternates leadership between Villa Park and the Elmhurst Park District and that the current agreement dates to the mid-1970s; he said the agreement should be updated and digitalized. Howe offered to provide quarterly income statements and user breakdowns. He also provided 2024 usage numbers on request: in 2024, 7,897 Elmhurst residents, 3,242 Villa Park residents, 3,230 Chicago residents and 1,865 Lombard residents used Sugar Creek.

Trustees raised questions about debt-service payments and whether the village should consider debt forgiveness; Manager Rivas identified a $50,000 payment line associated with Elmhurst Park District/Villa Park debt service as a topic for future discussion. Trustee Constatos urged creating a dedicated savings account for pool planning using a portion of the cannabis tax; staff estimated the village’s 1% share of the 3% cannabis tax is roughly $72,000–$80,000 annually.

After discussion about transparency, data tracking and the need to update the 1975 agreement, Trustee Cordova moved and the board voted to approve the Sugar Creek budget ordinance for 2026.