The Park Forest Board of Trustees will meet on March 16 at Village Hall to discuss several measures related to municipal finances, infrastructure projects, and economic development.
The agenda includes a final reading of an ordinance proposing a 1% home rule municipal and service occupation tax on most goods and services sold within the village. If approved, this tax would take effect July 1 and is expected to generate up to $800,000 annually. Officials say the goal is to increase revenue without raising property taxes. The ordinance excludes certain items such as food for off-premises consumption and prescription drugs. Before implementation, it must be filed with the Illinois Department of Revenue.
Trustees will also consider hiring Stuckey Construction Co. as construction manager at risk for the Aqua Center Redevelopment Project. This follows a request for proposals issued in January for the estimated $10 million project. Stuckey Construction submitted a proposed fee of $767,665, which would be part of the overall $8.75 million redevelopment budget after being selected from five applicants through interviews and qualifications review.
Another item on the agenda is a resolution to apply for $400,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds for mold and asbestos remediation at DownTown Building 2. If awarded, the Village would provide a $100,000 match.
The board will also conduct a first reading of an ordinance adjusting liquor license availability following an application by Antonio Burgess to open Libations tavern at 311 Main Street. The change reflects recent business closures and withdrawn applications in the area.
Additional matters include awarding road improvement contracts worth up to $1.43 million to Davis Concrete and renewing agreements with Advantage Paving Solutions for asphalt patching ($175,000), New Era Spreading for lime residual removal, Lakeshore Recycling Systems LLC for street sweeping under FY 2027 Motor Fuel Tax maintenance ($331,621), as well as approving minutes from previous meetings.
According to the official website, Village of Park Forest promotes community health through dedicated commissions and programs while receiving recognition for sustainability efforts in town planning practices. The village aims to strengthen economic conditions by collaborating on innovative municipal services initiatives. According to its official website, Park Forest operates under a council-manager government led by a mayor and six trustees who oversee these developments.
The meeting provides residents with an opportunity for public comment and participation in local governance.
