Hampshire adopts FY 26.2 budget, schedules capital work and saves toward $7 million water project

The Village of Hampshire board voted unanimously to adopt the fiscal year 26.2 budget (Ordinance 26‑23), approving a balanced budget that staff said takes a conservative approach to operations and capital spending.

Village administrator Miss Lyons presented the budget, explaining the village relies on a mix of state shared revenues, local taxes and fees. She told trustees the village will make an $880,000 transfer to the debt service fund to finance a planned public works garage and highlighted capital work included in the plan: street improvements (Washington Avenue from Elm Street to the end, and Whitetail Circle), stormwater remediation projects, and rehabilitation (interior cleaning and spot repairs) of the Elm Street elevated water tank. The presentation also mentioned an early warning siren to be installed at the Prairie Ridge water‑treatment site.

Miss Lyons reviewed enterprise funds, reporting water‑fund revenues of roughly $2,256,000 and expenditures close to $2,250,000, with more than $1 million in transfers earmarked for capital projects. She said the village is holding some capital funds in reserve to prepare for a larger water‑treatment project estimated at about $7,000,000 that staff expects to pursue in roughly three years; staff said the village will seek low‑interest EPA loans and possible partial forgiveness.

Trustees asked clarifying questions about who signs Exhibit B (chief fiscal officer) in the ordinance packet and confirmed that Miss Lyons is the administrator referenced. The roll call to adopt Ordinance 26‑23 was recorded as unanimous.

The board closed the public hearing on the budget earlier in the meeting before taking the final vote to adopt the ordinance.