Vernon Hills unveils consolidated financial health report as reserves grow

The Village of Vernon Hills on April 7 introduced a new Financial Health and Sustainability report intended to give trustees a concise, decision-focused view of the village's fiscal position.

The finance director told the board the report consolidates existing budget documents, monthly and quarterly statements and the annual comprehensive financial report into five pillars: liquidity and reserves, operations, capital, long-term obligations and revenue dependence. "This report brings all those pieces together in a single comprehensive view of our financial health and long-term sustainability," the finance director said.

Why it matters: the report projects village reserves could reach nearly $50 million by the end of fiscal 2027, roughly twice the village's policy requirement, while operations remain structurally balanced. Staff said the village has minimized reliance on debt, uses operating surpluses to fund capital needs and is planning a bond issuance for a major police campus renovation in fiscal 2028.

Trustees pressed staff on the village's revenue concentration: roughly half of general-fund revenues come from municipal sales tax. Trustees noted that, if ever used, a municipal property tax would take at least 16 months to produce revenue and would require careful deliberation. The finance director also highlighted that pensions, particularly the police pension, remain the primary long-term obligations but said required contributions have consistently been met.

The board was supportive of the report's clarity and frequency; staff said it will be provided twice annually to guide budgeting and policy decisions.

Next steps: staff will publish the new report in board packets twice annually and continue to use it as a planning and policy tool.