DuPage County Board Chair Deborah Conroy presented a balanced budget for the County Board’s consideration at its Sept. 26 meeting.
“It is my pleasure to present a balanced, fiscally responsible spending plan to the Board for its consideration,” said Conroy. “I believe my proposal delivers important help to our residents who need it most while making critical infrastructure investments now to take the pressure off future budgets. Careful planning at this time will set us up for success in Fiscal Year 2025 and beyond.”
The total proposed budget for DuPage County is $611.7 million, with a General Fund of $241.7 million. The General Fund is the County’s chief operating fund, covering most personnel and program operations. The proposed budget includes a $70.5 million property tax levy, which captures new construction in the County being added to the property tax rolls. The DuPage County property tax rate remains flat, comprising just 2 percent of the average DuPage County homeowner’s property tax bill.
Due to careful financial planning, DuPage County is projected to finish the 2023 Fiscal Year with a surplus of $13.7 million. Conroy laid out a plan to utilize those funds to eliminate future budgetary burdens, including:
- $3 million dedicated to updating and replacing aging County campus infrastructure
- $2.5 million for affordable housing projects in DuPage County
- $800,000 for Stormwater management projects
- $500,000 to design and build sidewalks and improve street lighting in the Willowbrook Corners community
Conroy also proposed utilizing $1.5 million in funds from the American Rescue Plan Act to address food insecurity and assist food pantries in DuPage County.
During her budget address, Chair Conroy proposed a $250,000 allocation for The DuPage Council on Strengthening the System for Mental Health and Substance Use Care. The newly established Council replaces the DuPage County HOPE Taskforce.
“This bold new initiative will integrate our vision for mental health diagnosis and treatment plans with our efforts to reduce substance use disorder in DuPage County,” Conroy said. “Because the struggles are so often intertwined, it makes sense to embrace a new mission.” Conroy will lead the Council with the assistance of DuPage County Health Department Executive Director Adam Forker.
Members of the public can provide feedback on the proposed budget plan at https://dupagecounty-ktgfp.formstack.com/forms/proposed_budget_feedback.
The DuPage County Board will now consider the Chair’s proposed budget and will approve the County budget at its Nov. 28 meeting. The 2024 Fiscal Year begins on Dec. 1.