Commissioner warns of $2.2M shortfall and urges quick action on revenue options

Commissioner Maxim told the council that an updated finance projection from the village's finance director indicates the village is facing an approximate $2.2 million loss in the general fund for fiscal year 2026. "We're going to have a $2.2 million loss in the general fund," Maxim said, adding that "revenues remain flat and expenditures increase" and arguing that new revenue and economic development are key to closing the gap.

Maxim urged council action on several revenue streams and criticized delays in obtaining legal updates on prior referral items. He told colleagues he does not want to eliminate short-term rentals in the village but wants to ensure well-run rentals contribute revenue. He raised the possibility of a places-of-eating tax as a near-term revenue source, saying "the places of eating tax alone is estimated to bring in a million dollars a year approximately," net of implementation costs.

Other commissioners acknowledged the fiscal concerns and said they are prepared to engage in budget-work conversations and due diligence. Commissioner Melon Reggoven and Commissioner Vogue encouraged collaborative, constructive discussions and stressed the need for staff to provide implementable proposals.

Next steps: The council scheduled a budget meeting to continue discussion; staff will respond to prior information requests and provide legal and fiscal analyses relevant to taxation and short-term rental regulation.