Wheaton Park District commissioners will vote Wednesday on the district's annual tax levy estimate and a $30,000 engineering contract for a Cosley Zoo exhibit renovation.

The board meets at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, at Wheaton City Hall, 303 W. Wesley St., according to the district's posted agenda.

The biggest financial item is Resolution 2026-05, which would authorize the estimate of the district's annual aggregate tax levy under the state's Truth in Taxation Law. The resolution is a required step before the board can formally adopt a final levy later this year.

The agenda does not list a specific dollar figure for the proposed 2026 levy. During last year's levy cycle, Executive Director Michael Benard recommended a 3.7% increase combining the available Consumer Price Index adjustment and new construction revenue. Board President Vires said at the time he was comfortable with an increase between 2.9% and 3.7%.

At a September subcommittee meeting, financial adviser Anthony Miceli of Speer Financial reported the district's 2025 tax rate stands at 0.5216. That translates to roughly $828 a year on a $500,000 home. The district's equalized assessed value is $3.404 billion, with EAV growth of about 8.8% from 2024 to 2025.

Commissioners will also vote to place the draft 2027 budget and appropriation ordinance on 30-day public inspection.

The current 2026 budget totals $60.5 million in combined spending.

Cosley Zoo exhibit moves forward

The board will consider a proposal from Cage Engineering Inc. for civil engineering services on the Burrows to Branches exhibit renovation, at a cost not to exceed $30,000. The contract is contingent on the Cosley Zoo Foundation reimbursing the expense.

Commissioners approved the Burrows to Branches concept on May 20 by a 6-0 vote. The project targets the zoo's aviary and rabbit exhibits, identified in a 2024 conditions audit as the highest priorities for renovation. It is the first phase of a 25-year exhibit renovation plan, with each phase estimated at $3 million to $5 million.

Cosley Zoo received renewed accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums on Sept. 29. Zoo Director Greg Bockheim said in a zoo announcement that the accreditation recognizes the zoo's commitment to animal care, conservation, education and professional excellence.

Other spending on the agenda

Several other contracts are up for approval:

  • A $66,555 change order with EP Doyle for the Arrowhead Golf Club driving range project, where construction began Sept. 8 and the facility is expected to open in February 2027.
  • Food vendor bids for Arrowhead Golf Club totaling more than $1.2 million for the December 2026 through November 2027 season, spread across eight categories and multiple suppliers.
  • Up to $22,400 to Kirhofer's Sports for 325 travel basketball uniform sets.
  • A $24,570 contract with Midwest Solar Control for classroom window improvements at the Ray Morrill Community Center, plus a 10% contingency.

The board will also vote on four sidewalk-related ordinances and agreements with the City of Wheaton covering Sunnyside Park and Northside Park, an intergovernmental agreement with DuPage County for a Sensory Garden playground shade structure, and a Field of Honor flag display grant.

The consent agenda includes $2.66 million in disbursements covering Sept. 9 through Oct. 13.

The meeting opens with a recognition of former Wheaton City Manager Michael Dzugan, who retired after serving in city government for more than 25 years. Board Secretary Michael Benard can be reached at [email protected] for meeting information.