Oswego Committee of the Whole Budget Meeting Summary – November 2, 2026

The Committee of the Whole met on November 2, 2026, to discuss the 2027 Budget, with a primary focus on allocating a $1.1 million general fund surplus. The board reached consensus on several key allocations, including maintaining a 5% property tax rate reduction, funding a water utility rebate, increasing non-union employee compensation, and ordering a new dump truck.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Colleen Schmidt, a resident of the Seaple Shea subdivision, expressed concerns about traffic safety at Kendall Point Drive and Route 34 with the upcoming opening of Trader Joe's. She requested lane markings and synchronized traffic lights. She also inquired about the future use of a vacant lot under contract. The Village President directed her to Development Director Rod Zenner and the Village Engineer for follow-up.

Discussion Items

• 2027 Budget and Surplus Allocation: Staff presented options for using the surplus. The board discussed the proposed 5% property tax rate reduction, balancing resident relief against fiscal conservatism for future economic uncertainties. Consensus was reached to maintain the 5% reduction already factored into the draft budget.
• Grocery Tax Rebate: The board confirmed it would continue the $50 annual water utility rebate for approximately 12,500 households, costing $625,000 from the surplus.
• Non-Union Wages: A trustee-proposed increase to non-union salary and bonus pools was discussed. A previous compensation study indicated market gaps. The board agreed to add a 0.5% base salary increase (raising it from 3.5% to 4%) and a 0.5% bonus pool increase, totaling $75,400.
• Fleet and Equipment: Trustee Koenig raised concerns about deferring a $350,000 dump truck replacement. Given a one-year lead time, the board directed staff to order the truck immediately to ensure it is available for the following winter.
• Signage and Amenities: Rough estimates for a Route 34 gateway sign and a digital Village Hall sign ($75,000 each) were presented. The board deferred a final decision for more detailed proposals and cost analysis. The board also informally agreed to ask the Cultural Arts Commission to address the aesthetics of the bollards at Village Hall.
• Pothole Management: Trustee Andrew proposed a specific fund for a pothole remediation program. Village Administrator Phil noted a record-setting MFT road program already in the 2027 budget and committed to analyzing staffing and response times to determine if faster repairs are feasible without additional dedicated funds.

Key Outcomes

• Property Tax Rate: Consensus reached to maintain the proposed 5% decrease in the village's portion of the property tax levy.
• Water Rebate: $625,000 allocated from surplus to continue the $50 annual residential rebate.
• Staff Compensation: $75,400 allocated for a half-percent increase to both the base salary pool (3.5% to 4%) and the bonus pool.
• Dump Truck: Staff directed to order a new $350,000 dump truck to replace a 17-year-old vehicle and address extended lead times.
• Remaining Surplus: $55,602 left unallocated in the general fund balance.
• Deferred Items: Decisions on the two proposed signs and a targeted pothole fund were tabled for further staff analysis and detailed design costing.