2025 revenue shortfall pushing Oak Park’s 2027 tax levy higher  

Oak Park’s village board discussed the proposed 2027 operating budget and estimated 7.94% direct property tax levy hike and voted to approve the estimations for a Truth in Taxation hearing. The action took place at a Nov. 4 village board meeting. The board’s approval for the estimates is not an approval for the actual levy, and continued discussions will continue with the finance committee and full board through December before a decision is reached. President Vicki Scaman said at the meeting that the initial proposed tax levy is usually higher than what is actually adopted each year. Multiple board members have shared they want to review every opportunity for savings. “I would love to find a way to reduce it from 8%, and that is the work of the Finance Committee and of this board to try to do that and be as responsible and efficient with our taxpayer resources as possible,” said Trustee Derek Eder. Chief Financial Officer Kevin Bueso presented more contextual inform