The Mokena Village Board unanimously adopted its Fiscal Year 2026 budget on Monday, approving a financial plan that directs major funding toward road resurfacing, storm sewer replacements, and a comprehensive village-wide software overhaul.

The budget, which takes effect July 1, 2025, projects approximately $40.1 million in revenue and $48.4 million in expenses across all 23 of the village’s funds. The difference in spending is covered by capital funds that have been intentionally built up over time for significant one-time projects.

The General Fund, which pays for most day-to-day operations, anticipates $16.3 million in revenue and projects $17.8 million in expenditures. Village Administrator John Tomasoski explained the village maintains a conservative budgeting approach, notably by only budgeting for 50% of the Local Government Distributive Fund (LGDF) revenue it expects from the state.

A significant portion of the new budget is dedicated to infrastructure. Key appropriations include approximately $3.57 million to resurface local roads, $810,000 for miscellaneous repairs to curbs, sidewalks, and streets, and $500,000 for storm sewer replacements in the Country View Estates subdivision.

The village is also making a major technological investment, with the budget allocating $125,000 as the second payment toward a new $350,000 village-wide software system from BS&A. The new system is intended to improve financial, payroll, permitting, and utility billing services.

“Residents will benefit from online access to pay utility bills, apply for permits, and search public records,” Tomasoski said during his presentation.

The budget was presented at a public hearing where no residents offered comments. The board then voted to approve the budget ordinance.

Mayor George J. Metanias lauded the village administration for its work, particularly highlighting Tomasoski’s efforts in preparing the budget in the absence of a finance director.

“I want to say, John, I mean, you’ve done an extraordinary job, especially… this year with no finance director,” Metanias said. “You stepped in there and you made things happen, and I applaud you for that. Great job.”

Tomasoski credited his team for the successful effort. “It was great teamwork from everyone behind the scenes,” he said, specifically recognizing Management Analyst Ashley Pala and Village Attorney Carl Buck for their contributions.

The village enters the new fiscal year in a strong financial position, projecting a surplus of more than $4.4 million from the just-concluded Fiscal Year 2025. This surplus provides a substantial cushion, leaving the General Fund with a reserve of approximately 50%, well above its target of 33%.