The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County released a proposed budget for fiscal year 2015 ‒ 2016 that continues to demonstrate the agency’s value to DuPage County residents.
An average of 2 percent of a DuPage County homeowner’s tax bill funds the District’s budget. For example, a homeowner with property that has an assessed valuation of $300,000 pays only $160 annually to the District. Of that $160, $80 funds the agency’s annual operations to ensure taxpayers enjoy a myriad of services within its 25,000 acres of land, 60 forest preserves, 600 acres of lakes and 145 miles of trails. The remaining $80 funds voter-approved referendums.
“We’re proposing a budget that we believe is fiscally sound and in line with the board’s recommended guidelines,” said Jack Hogan, the District’s director of Administration & Finance.
Residents can view the preliminary numbers and see how the District allocates resources on the annual budget page of dupageforest.org. Comments and suggestions on the proposed budget are welcome on the District’s Facebook and Twitter pages with #dupageforest.
“The Board of Commissioners consistently challenges staff to find new operational efficiencies,” said Forest Preserve District of DuPage County President Joe Cantore. “This proposed budget reflects those efficiencies while maintaining high-quality services for DuPage County residents.”
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County has been connecting people to nature for 100 years. More than 4 million people visit its 60 forest preserves, 145 miles of trails, five education centers and scores of programs each year. For information, call 630-933-7200 or visit dupageforest.org, where you can also link to the District’s e-newsletter, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and YouTube pages.