New Bourbonnais Mayor Jeff Keast conducted his first village board meeting on May 5. In a prepared statement, Keast said, “Let me just say how truly honored I am to be sitting here today as Mayor of Bourbonnais. This is more than a role, it’s a responsibility I take very seriously. I want to thank everyone who voted, who supported, and who participated in this election. Whether you voted for me or not, I’m here to serve our entire community.
“I understand the value of community, of neighbors helping neighbors, of small-town strength and resilience. That’s what Bourbonnais represents to me, and it’s what I want to protect and grow. I ran for mayor because I believe in this village and the people who call it home. We’re entering a new chapter, and I’m ready to help us write it together.
“But, I also know leadership isn’t about one person making all the decisions. It’s about listening, really listening, and working together. You deserve to know what’s happening in your village and to have a say in shaping its future.
“This is an exciting time for Bourbonnais. We have so much potential, and I believe, with all my heart, that we have a great future ahead.”
In board business at the meeting, trustees approved the Fiscal 2025-26 budget. Finance Director Tara Latz said that the General Fund projects revenues are $14,700,841, with expenditures of $14,463,655. Latz said that will leave a surplus of $237,186 at the end of the fiscal year on April 30, 2026.
In a prepared statement, Latz said, “The motor fuel tax budget shows the annual road maintenance program spending $750,000 during the fiscal year.” Latz added that the village will be utilizing $120,000 Rebuild Illinois grant money for road maintenance. The Debt Service Fund will shell out payments in the amount of $2.3 million.
Bourbonnais’ Business District Fund is anticipated to spend $1.7 million during the fiscal year. Latz stated projects will include furthering the village’s streetscape and corridor and intersection enhancement programs.
Latz noted that while the budget presented to the board for approval is a strong guideline for village spending, it does not reflect the legal spending authority for Bourbonnais, which she said will be set with an Appropriations Ordinance to be presented to the village board in July.