2027 Forest Preserve budget includes lower tax rate

The Forest Preserve District's 2027 budget is balanced, and its property tax rate will continue to decrease as it has in recent years.

The Forest Preserve Board of Commissioners approved the budget, which totals $91.81 million, on Nov. 12.

"I am proud of our staff's work to develop a transparent and fiscally responsible budget," said Executive Director Tracy Chapman.

Over the past several years, the Forest Preserve District's tax rate has been decreasing. Although the median home price in Will County has increased about $85,000 from $280,000 to $365,000 since 2021, property taxes paid to the Forest Preserve have dropped by 22.9%. In 2021, the owner of a $280,000 home — the median home value at that time — paid $124.97 in property taxes to the Forest Preserve. For 2026 property taxes, which will be paid in 2027, the owner of a $365,000 is projected to pay $96.25 in property taxes to the Forest Preserve.

"The Forest Preserve District of Will County has been able to lower its property tax rate while continuing to expand recreational opportunities and preserve more open space through thoughtful financial planning and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars," said Chief Financial Officer Rachel Mayer. "By reducing debt obligations, strategically planning land acquisitions and capital improvements, maintaining existing assets and pursuing grants and alternative revenue sources, the District has continued to grow while managing long-term costs."

The 2026 tax rate is estimated to be .0790 per $100 of equalized assessed valuation (EAV), a 4.13% decrease from the 2025 tax rate of .0824 per $100 of EAV. The 2026 property tax levy, payable in 2027, is estimated at $19.6 million, compared with a property tax levy of $18.8 million paid in 2026. The property tax dollars collected in 2027 will increase both because of appreciation of existing home values and new construction. 

The Board of Commissioners' support for the 2027 budget allows the Forest Preserve to continue its focus on conservation, education and recreation, Chapman said.

"As the District continues to grow, we must balance preserving land while we still have the opportunity with responsibly managing and maintaining the properties and facilities entrusted to us, all while continuing to provide meaningful, predominantly free educational and recreational opportunities," she said.

The Forest Preserve will also move forward with several projects and improvements aimed at creating increased recreational opportunities and an enhanced regional trail system. 

"The 2027 budget includes projects focused on connecting communities and continuing improvements that expand access to the District's waterways for all users," said Director of Planning and Land Preservation Colleen Novander. 

These planned projects include improvements to Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve's Snapper Pond to restore visitor access with the construction of an upgraded overlook and floating dock. Forest Preserve staff will also look into opportunities to improve water access at Monee Reservoir, with implementation anticipated in late 2027, Novander said. 

Additional projects planned for 2027 include Phase II engineering of both the DuPage River Trail — Weber Road Connection Project and the Wolf's Road Crossing Trail Improvement Project, with construction anticipated in 2028.

"These projects will not only provide safer connections for residents but will also eliminate the gaps in the larger regional trail system," Novander said. 

The Forest Preserve will also continue its 2025-2030 Capital Improvement Program. Capital improvements included in the 2027 budget include the following:

• Phase 1 engineering for an extension of Veterans Memorial Trail from 159th Street to 135th Street
• Phase 1 engineering for improvements at Hidden Lakes Trout Farm
• Habitat restoration at Forked Creek Preserve, Hammel Woods and McKinley Woods 

Forest Preserve improvement projects are funded through property taxes, operating fund transfers and fund balances, including proceeds from the 2024 bond sale as part of the Capital Improvement Program, Mayer said.

The Forest Preserve District will celebrate its centennial in 2027. The District was created by referendum in 1926 and organized in 1927. Today, the District owns and manages more than 24,000 acres and 135 miles of trails across Will County. In addition to providing recreational opportunities, the open space conserved by the Forest Preserve District aids in flood control and carbon storage and provides habitat for wildlife, including threatened and endangered species.