What to expect in the village of Algonquin’s upcoming budget

Two miles of Harnish Drive, from Randall Road to East Huntington Drive, are on track to be improved this year, the village manager said.

The project – as well as other road improvements – are part of the proposed 2021-22 budget, which is set to be discussed by the Algonquin Village Board at its meeting on March 16.

Other road projects include the Algonquin Lakes subdivision and the roundabout at Main Street and Cary-Algonquin Road in the downtown area, Village Manager Tim Schloneger said. The bike path on Harrison Street and Main Street is also on track to break ground.

All of the projects that are funded by the 2021-22 budget have not broken ground yet. The work will most likely begin in May or shortly thereafter, depending on the schedule, Assistant Village Manager Michael Kumbera said.

“The climate is there to finish the outdoor projects,” President Debbie Sosine said. “It allows for us to utilize the local funds to finish road work when the weather permits.”

The village projects that it will spend about $27.5 million on the street improvement fund, $7.4 million of which will go toward its capital plan.

The village of Algonquin also plans to freeze water rates this year and keep the property tax rate flat, possible because of new construction in the community.

The budget also contains plans to finish park projects that were discussed in February as part of a proposed 10-year master parks and recreation plan. Improvements to local parks in Algonquin, such as Stonybrook Park and Towne Park, were included in the draft plan.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the village can not predict whether projects will move forward as originally planned for but can still ensure the budget allows for them, Schlonegar said.

As the plans for improvement go underway, the village is also planning and making preparations for community events to be held later this year. These events may include the Algonquin summer concerts and Art on the Fox, as well as opening Lions Armstrong Memorial Pool, Kumbera said.

“COVID-19 may put a limitation on events, but the village will follow the restrictions and guidelines,” Sosine said.