Wheaton Park District commissioners will review the district's 2026 tax levy estimate and a draft 2027 operating and capital budget at a subcommittee meeting Wednesday, Oct. 14.

The session starts at 5 p.m. at the DuPage County Historical Museum, 102 E. Wesley St. No votes will be taken. The agenda labels the meeting "review and discussion only."

The levy estimate, listed as Resolution 2026-05, is the first public look at what the district plans to ask from property taxpayers next year. No dollar figure has been released. The 2025 levy debate offers a reference point: at the Oct. 8, 2025, subcommittee meeting, Executive Director Michael Benard recommended a 3.7% increase, combining the full 2.9% Consumer Price Index allowance with new construction growth. Commissioners settled on 3.5%.

Benard told the board at that Oct. 8, 2025, meeting that by not levying the full CPI over the prior three tax years, the district would forgo an estimated $26.3 million in cumulative revenue over 20 years. At the Nov. 5, 2025, subcommittee meeting, Commissioner Pecharich pushed for a lower 3% increase. The board adopted the 2025 levy unanimously on Dec. 17, 2025.

The 2027 budget draft will also be on the table Wednesday. The current fiscal year's budget, adopted Dec. 17, 2025, set total expenses at $60.5 million and estimated tax revenue at $17.6 million.

Cosley Zoo exhibit moves to engineering phase

Commissioners will review civil engineering proposals to develop cost estimates for the "Burrows to Branches" exhibit renovation at Cosley Zoo. The board approved the project concept on May 20.

Burrows to Branches is the first priority in a 25-year vision for renovating the zoo, which has operated for more than 50 years. The first phase includes a prairie dog habitat, porcupine, groundhog and opossum enclosures, an owl walk-through aviary and a songbird garden. Each of the vision's five priority phases is projected to cost $3 million to $5 million. Funding will come from Cosley Zoo Foundation campaigns, park district capital dollars, grants and donations.

Land donation, bond planning also on agenda

The subcommittee will discuss a possible donation of land at 2087 Roosevelt Rd. No details about the property's owner, size or intended use appear in the published agenda.

Other agenda items include a planning packet for General Obligation Limited Tax Park Bonds Series 2026, bid results for Arrowhead Golf Club food purchases, a change order for the Arrowhead driving range project, and window improvement quotes for the Ray Morrill Community Center.

The agenda also notes a TIF Joint Annual Review Board meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 20, at 9 a.m. A closed session will cover personnel matters and the selection of a person to fill a public office vacancy.

Residents who need disability accommodations should contact ADA Compliance Officer Michael Benard at 630-945-7726 at least 48 hours before the meeting.