Oak Park staff outline CIP priorities: new fire engine financing and $17M recreation center

City management presented highlights of Oak Park's FY 26-27 capital improvement plan at the planning commission meeting and the commission voted to accept the plan to advance it through the approval process.

The city manager said the proposed CIP includes financing for a new fire engine (estimated cost about $1.2 million) to be financed over five years with an expected first-year debt-service payment of roughly $207,000. Staff noted replacement state-mandated election equipment is budgeted at about $150,000 and that revenue will offset that cost. The manager also highlighted a voter-approved, bond-funded recreation/community center with approximately $17 million allocated over the next two years and planned park trailway improvements in multiple parks driven by resident input.

The planning commission moved, seconded and carried a motion to accept the CIP; the city manager said he will present the budget package to city council on May 18 for final approval.

"We're going to finance [the fire engine] over the course of five years," the city manager said, adding the truck delivery could take 12 to 18 months after order because of industry backlogs.

Staff characterized the general fund as balanced as presented. The commission offered public thanks to staff for their work on the multi-month budget process.

Next steps: the city manager will present the full budget to city council for approval; several CIP items will advance to council hearings and final appropriations.