North
Riversider
Communication Is The Key To Our Community’s Forward Progress A NEWSLETTER FOR OUR RESIDENTS & BUSINESSES SPRING 2024
Your first-ever State of the Village Report
As you know, in each issue of the Village’s newsletter, I make a point of detailing the progress we are making as a unified Board and together as a community. It has been challenging but we continue to work hard to make North Riverside an extraordinary community to live in, work in and visit. I can assure our residents and businesses that every decision made and every dollar spent is part of a carefullyexecuted plan to bring fairness, financial stability and a stronger infrastructure for our future success. Before I say anything else, I have great news to share on the Village’s financial stability and creditworthiness. Our credit rating from Moody’s Investor Services, a global provider of credit ratings, was recently upgraded one level to Baa2. Moody’s rating report noted the Village’s “strong financial position” as one factor in the credit upgrade and listed “strong reserves and liquidity” among our credit strengths. Consistent efforts to tackle our long-term pension liabilities were also noted as a factor that could lead to subsequent upgrades. Funding public pensions is a challenge that is not unique to North Riverside, but Moody’s report explicitly articulated how problematic this issue is for the Village and how important it is to continue to commit the resources necessary to support our retired police officers and firefighters. I am extremely pleased with our improvement and commitment to strengthening our financial position. Throughout this issue, you’ll find further proof of our solid financial footing—all while the Village, beyond a shadow of a doubt, remains the smallest portion of your property tax bill. Yes, it’s true. Seeing really is believing and I hope you will take a careful look at the property tax bill summary on pages 2 and 3. The percentages and dollar amounts in the graphics demonstrate just how little Village taxpayers contribute to the exceptional public services offered. Our efforts to forge ahead with vibrant business growth helps ensure an enviable quality of life for everyone who lives here. Together, we are making unprecedented progress. I want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank you for your continued support and trust. We are effectively making the changes necessary for a promising future.
Mayor Joseph Mengoni
Grant SNAPSHOT:
Over 3.5 million awarded
A key component of remaining fiscally responsible is securing as much grant money as possible that will put our plans into action without using “our” money. Completed and projects “in the works” funded by grant dollars include: • Permeable paver parking lots • Des Plaines Avenue street lighting • Community entrance signs • NRPD building improvements and security fencing • Public Works Toxic Air Alert System
Our Village’s voice: Finally being HEARD
Over the past three years, this administration has worked diligently to strengthen our voice at the state and federal level. From Washington, DC, to the Illinois State Capitol, we are ever-ready to bring our community’s needs to the forefront. It is only through these collaborative efforts that we can effectively bring about change.
Our TOP PRIORITIES
as we move forward in 2024 • Strong voice in Springfield • Coalition with neighboring towns • Marketing our town to developers • Vitalization of our business district
Working together, as a united Village Board, we will strive to accomplish our goals, enact new and fair practices for everyone and continue to gain momentum.