After consecutive post-pandemic years of not raising the city’s portion of property taxes, Park Ridge leaders are looking at such a hike for 2026 – along with several other local sales tax increases.

During a budget workshop meeting Monday, City Council members reviewed the city budget proposed for the 2026 fiscal year, including a plan to raise property taxes 2.5% and increase utility, food, beverage and home-rule sales taxes, according to the proposed $95 million spending plan.

The city’s fiscal year runs Jan. 1 to Dec. 31

Park Ridge city leaders say the increases are needed largely to keep pace with inflation and increased staffing costs, and in the face of a larger economic slowdown.

Most of the alderpersons seemed agreeable to the budget as proposed, and no major changes or objections were made.

The city has not raised its portion of property tax rates since 2020, officials pointed out.

The Park Ridge Public Library is also looking at a 4% levy increase. The additional revenue is expected to bring the library’s emergency operations fund to about $2 million, or five months of operation expenses. By its own policy, the library must have about six months of reserves on hand.

Meanwhile, looking ahead, the city has a number of ambitious projects planned for the next fiscal year.

“In Fiscal Year 2026, the city will shift its focus toward future infrastructure planning. Key initiatives include design work for the Fire Station 36 renovation and expansion project, design of the Northwest Highway water main replacement and Mayfield Estates flood control projects, a feasibility analysis for the police station and the adoption of an updated Comprehensive Plan,” City Manager Joe Gilmore wrote in the budget proposal.

“These planning projects will occur alongside major resurfacing of Dee Road, the acquisition of a new Fire Department emergency squad vehicle, and ongoing building improvement projects,” he wrote

The police station analysis could result in a new police station in a new location or a substantial expansion of the existing one inside City Hall.

“It will help us look and see what we have and what we need,” said police Chief Bob Kampwirth.

He said the analysis would give the department and the city “homework for ourselves to move on forward with that.”

The chief is also requesting a second social worker. The police department has employed Geri Silic since 2016 as a social worker and she works with families in crisis, with homeless people and anyone else who may need help outside of strict law enforcement.

Kampwirth praised her work thus far, and said another worker would mean someone could be onsite at night.

“Since 2016, Geri has been doing a great job with what she does. She does a great job. She agrees we have a good program here but we want to strive for greatness,” Kampwirth said. “Her case volume is up, and it goes up every year.”

City Finance Director Chris Lipman estimated that a new police social worker position would cost around $100,000 annually.

Consideration of the budget is expected at the next two City Council meetings, with final consideration expected to come in late December.

Jesse Wright is a freelancer.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/18/park-ridge-property-tax-increase-fiscal-year-2026/