Mayor’s Welcome
As we reflect on the past year, I am proud to share that our Village continues to thrive, thanks to the collective efforts of our residents, staff, and community partners. Together, we’ve navigated challenges, celebrated successes, and maintained the high standards that make Burr Ridge such an exceptional place to live, work, and raise a family.
As we look ahead, we are filled with optimism. Burr Ridge remains financially strong and committed to sound fiscal management. I’m pleased to report that the Village remains debt-free and capital investment remains high with no increase in the Village’s property tax levy for the fifth consecutive year, further reinforcing our dedication to responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.
The safety and well-being of our residents remain a top priority. Our Police Department—proudly certified by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA)—continues to demonstrate excellence and professionalism in its service to the community. We are committed to maintaining a secure and welcoming environment for all.
Continued community progress is always a priority; to this end, we are actively exploring the potential for development in the Village. Of particular note are the CNH and TCF properties, which present exciting opportunities to shape the future of Burr Ridge. We invite you to stay engaged by attending upcoming committee meetings focused on these developments, where your input and involvement are both valued and encouraged.
As part of our continued efforts to create a better Burr Ridge, the Village, with several other communities nationwide, created the National ZIP Code Advocacy Coalition in an effort to have Congress create a unique ZIP Code for Burr Ridge. The Coalition has grown to over 75 participating municipalities; please be sure to contact your federal officials, urging them to support the Coalition’s important work!
In further efforts to shape the future of our Village, the Board has created the Comprehensive Plan Update Committee to evaluate and guide our longterm planning initiatives. Upon my recommendation, Trustee Guy Franzese was appointed as Chairperson of this important committee. His experience and leadership will be invaluable as we chart the next chapter of Burr Ridge’s growth and development.
I remain sincerely grateful to each of you for your continued support, engagement, and pride in our community. It is your dedication that makes Burr Ridge the truly exceptional place it is today—and I am honored to serve as your Mayor as we move forward together.
Gary A. Grasso Mayor
As we begin a new year in Burr Ridge, I’m proud to highlight our achievements and continued dedication to serving the community. Our commitment to delivering exceptional services and fostering a vibrant environment remains steadfast, and I’m pleased to report that we continue to uphold this commitment. In 2024, the Village asked you, the resident, to evaluate our performance, wanting to understand where we meet your expectations and where we can improve. I am pleased to report that residents reported overwhelming satisfaction with the Village. Over 90% of respondents stated that they were satisfied with the Village’s direction and fiscal health; the Police Department is professional and friendly; they feel safe in their neighborhoods; our roads are properly maintained and clear of snow; and that their requests for assistance are handled and resolved positively. On behalf of all Village employees, thank you for evaluating the job we do for you. We take great pride in supporting your Board of Trustees’ vision for supporting the community!
The survey’s indicators are a testament to our commitment to ensuring that your experience in Burr Ridge is positive, and the Village remains “A Very Special Place.” This success is grounded in our focus on workplace dynamics and employee satisfaction. One of our founding achievements in the past year was the creation of our Statement of Culture, defining our organizational North Star under a unified Mission, Vision, and Values. Our Mission is that “Our extraordinary services distinguish the Village as THE exceptional community we all share.” Additionally, we have established seven core Values to which we all commit to aspire: Integrity and Ethical, Self-Motivated with Initiative, Compassionate and Empathetic, Respectful, Coachable, Collaborative Team Player, and Creative Problem Solver. We look forward to using the Statement of Culture to better serve you!
We’re excited to build on our positive momentum for the future. Our goals for 2025 include establishing online building permitting and real-time resident access to your water usage on the Village website. Additionally, Public Works has begun work on achieving APWA Accreditation for its Public Works Department. Only seven Illinois communities have achieved both CALEA and APWA accreditations, and four have achieved CALEA and GFOA distinctions. When successful, Burr Ridge will be just the second (and smallest) community in Illinois to achieve all three designations.
Thank you to our dedicated staff, Board of Trustees, and residents for your ongoing support and collaboration. I’m confident that by working together, we will achieve great things and ensure a bright future for our beloved community.
Evan Walter Village Administrator
LAWN SPRINKLING RESTRICTIONS
Lawn sprinkling restrictions are in effect for all communities receiving Lake Michigan water from May 15 – September 15. Learn more about the restrictions on our website
BRUSH PICKUP
The Annual Brush Pickup is on Monday, October 27. Residents who have brush that is too large to be picked up by the normal landscape waste through Groot can place it beside the road no later than 7 a.m. Please ensure that the brush conforms to the Village’s requirements.
YARD WASTE POLICIES
All residents receive free, unlimited yard waste haul-away services from Groot. Yard waste collection runs through December 15. Don’t forget to separate the yard waste from your general waste by placing it in paper bags, bundles, or bins labeled with free stickers.
MOBILE DRIVERS UNIT
The Secretary of State’s Mobile Driver Services Facility visits are canceled for the foreseeable future. This change is due to the Illinois Secretary of State’s current focus on the implementation and processing of REAL ID requirements. While we understand these mobile visits have been a valuable service to residents, we are unable to schedule visits at this time. We appreciate your understanding and will look forward to resuming these services in the future.
STRATEGIC VISION
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES continues to shape the future of the community through the ongoing review and refinement of the Village’s Strategic Vision. This Strategic Vision serves as the cornerstone of the Village’s commitment to public service and governance. The Board, in collaboration with staff, regularly assesses projects against the Strategic Vision and long-term goals, ensuring alignment with the community’s needs and aspirations. To learn more about the Strategic Vision, please visit the website at burr-ridge.gov
1. High-Performing and Engaged
BURR RIDGE WILL PROVIDE effective and efficient services focused on continuous improvement with high levels of constituent service, an engaged and supported staff, as well as accessible community engagement.
2. Financially-Sustainable Future
BURR RIDGE WILL BE A RESPONSIBLE and transparent steward of all public dollars, creating a strong financial architecture through stable and predictable planning with diverse sources of revenue.
3. Community-Focused Development
BURR RIDGE WILL MAINTAIN strong neighborhood standards and character and create complementary value for the community through focused residential and commercial development.
4. Proactive Infrastructure Management
BURR RIDGE WILL REGULARLY ASSESS the condition of its infrastructure, identify capital needs, and secure funding sources to maintain, improve, and expand its infrastructure to meet the needs of the community.
5. Secure and Healthy Neighborhoods
BURR RIDGE WILL PROACTIVELY PROTECT the safety of all constituents, including identifying ways to minimize the impacts of criminal activity as well as environmental impacts on the community.
Long-Term Goals
CREATE & IMPLEMENT DEVELOPMENT PLANS FOR THE TCF & CNH PROPERTIES
EXPLORE REQUIREMENTS FOR LEED-CERTIFICATION FOR NEW DEVELOPMENTS
ATTRACT AND RETAIN REVENUEGENERATING BUSINESSES
ESTABLISH A PROACTIVE APPROACH TO CODE ENFORCEMENT
DEVELOP A STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT A MASTER FACILITIES PLAN
INVESTIGATE AND IMPLEMENT A COMPREHENSIVE INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN
PURSUE JURISDICTIONAL TRANSFER OF NONVILLAGE ROADS TO THE VILLAGE
EXPLORE POSSIBILITY OF HOME RULE STATUS
WORK TO REDUCE PROPERTY TAX LEVY NEEDS
PURSUE A UNIQUE VILLAGE ZIP CODE
ENHANCE THE I-55 CLOVERLEAFS
DEVELOP NEW COMPREHENSIVE AND ANNEXATION PLANS
COMMUNITY INITIATIVES
Celebrating the Village Academy Graduates
CONGRATULATIONS, Village Academy graduates! Through immersive coursework and hands-on experiences, participants gained valuable insight into the workings of local government, helping to build a more informed and engaged community. The Village looks forward to the meaningful contributions these graduates will make in the years ahead.
Water Line Replacement & Proactive Management
THE VILLAGE OF BURR RIDGE remains committed to providing residents with clean, safe drinking water through the aggressive replacement of aging water mains and the complete elimination of lead service lines. As part of these efforts, Burr Ridge has partnered with the Village of Hinsdale on a critical infrastructure project: the Elm Street Interconnection. This emergency water system link will allow both communities to share potable water in the event of a crisis and will be metered to ensure accountability.
Burr Ridge Building Ordinance Updates
EFFECTIVE, JANUARY 1, 2025, The Village of Burr Ridge implemented significant updates to its Building Ordinance. These changes include the adoption of newer versions of key building codes such as the International Building Code (IBC), National Electrical Code (NEC), and Illinois State Plumbing Code, among others, with local amendments. All permit applications submitted on or after this date must comply with the updated regulations. Property owners, contractors, and design professionals are encouraged to review these changes and consult with the Village’s Building Department to ensure compliance and avoid project delays. These updates aim to enhance safety, efficiency, and accessibility throughout the community.
79th Street Pathway Project Completed
SELECTED FROM NEARLY 80 APPLICANTS, a $138,000 “Invest in Cook” Grant was awarded to The Village from the Cook County Department of Transportation for the 79th Street Pathway project. The funding supported vital pedestrian safety improvements, including new concrete sidewalks on the north side of 79th Street, a fully ADA-compliant replacement of the aging asphalt path on the south side, and upgraded crossing signals with modern rapid flashing beacons. This initiative reflected the Village’s continued commitment to accessible infrastructure and the strategic reinvestment of local dollars into community priorities.
New E-Bike and Scooter Guidelines in Burr Ridge
TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF OUR RESIDENTS AND VISITORS, The Village of Burr Ridge has adopted updated guidelines for the use of electric bicycles and scooters. All e-bikes must be under 750 watts and are only permitted on Village roadways—riding on sidewalks is strictly prohibited. Class 1, 2, and 3 e-bikes are allowed, each with specific usage and speed limitations, including age and equipment requirements for Class 3 riders. For added safety, electric scooters are not authorized for use within Village limits. These regulations align with the Village’s ongoing commitment to creating a safe environment for everyone in our community.
EMPLOYEE HIGHLIGHTS
Retirements
WE EXTEND OUR GRATITUDE to several valued members of our Village community Their commitment, professionalism, and tireless efforts have left a lasting impact on our community.
Operations Supervisor John Wernimont retired this June after 41 years of service. John was the longest-serving employee in Village history, beginning his career in 1984 and working in every conceivable capacity in the Public Works Department, most-recently managing building maintenance and other day-to-day needs. He was consistently pleasant, cheerful and a shining example of public service.
Police Department Commitment to Excellence in Leadership
FOLLOWING THE RETIREMENT OF POLICE CHIEF JOHN MADDEN, the Board of Trustees promoted Deputy Chief Marc Loftus to Chief of Police in August 2024, upon Mayor Gary Grasso’s nomination. Chief Loftus has served Burr Ridge since 1998, was Deputy Chief for 11 years, holds a Master’s in Public Safety Administration from Lewis University, and is a graduate of the FBI Academy. | David Allen, a 24-year department veteran, was sworn in as Deputy Chief on September 9, 2024. He holds degrees in Criminal/Social Justice and Police Psychology and is a graduate of the Northwestern School of Police Staff & Command. | Kristopher Garcia, with 14 years of service, became Deputy Chief in November 2024. He holds a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice from Lewis University. | Sergeant Mike Cervenka, a 22-year veteran, was promoted in January 2025.
Village Board Swearing In
CONGRATULATIONS to the newly sworn-in Board of Trustees. We applaud your commitment to service and look forward to your leadership in the years ahead.
GU1 George Hovorka retired in April 2025 after eight years of dedicated service to the Village and Public Works Department. Mr. Hovorka was a mainstay in the Village’s snow operations and routinely provided primary maintenance to Village buildings, along with frequently volunteering at Village special events.
Employee Recognition
AT THE VILLAGE OF BURR RIDGE , recognizing exceptional service is a core value. Here are just a few of the many examples of the work they do every day:
Rich Scherer / GU2 / PW | On April 29, Mr. Scherer was at the 7-11 on Joliet Road in Willowbrook and saw suspicious behavior from a customer. Mr. Scherer contacted the Burr Ridge Police Department, describing an elderly female who was purchasing gift cards. The Police recognized the described behavior as someone who may be getting scammed, alerting the Village of Willowbrook, which responded and found that the woman was being targeted by phone scammers and was about to give the gift card numbers to someone over the phone. The scam was later thwarted. Rich was honored by the Illinois Police Association’s Tri-County Division with their Special Recognition Award.
Public Works Department | “I am very grateful for the snow plowing completed in my neighborhood. I am able to comfortably snow plow my driveway and exit without incident onto my street because the snow plowing did not amass the court’s snow in front of my driveway during Thanksgiving festivities. I am very appreciative. Thank you!”
Nicole Copp / Officer / PD | Officer Copp was called to the Extended Stay hotel on South Frontage Road after a young woman stated she was in distress. The woman was found to be contemplating serious selfharm, and thanks to Officer Copp’s quick actions, she was able to access additional help to assist in her time of need. The woman later contacted the Village to thank Officer Copp, stating that she was alive due to Officer Copp’s bravery and instincts in administering care.
If you would like to recognize a Village employee, please visit burr-ridge.gov/EmployeeRecognition
BUDGET IN BRIEF FISCAL YEAR 2026
PRESENTING THE FISCAL YEAR 2026 BUDGET, effective May 1, 2025, through April 30, 2026. The Village Board is committed to exceptional service delivery for the community through ongoing discussions, resolutions, and policies. This budget allows us to deliver on those commitments. The budget reflects a resilient local economy, a modernizing organization, and a proactive approach to service delivery. Zero-based, priority budgeting techniques represent the foundation of the budget process. At the same time, thorough consideration of scope ensures that the Village continues to focus on delivering necessary, reliable, and quality services to the community. The Village boasts significant operating flexibility, a diversified revenue structure, appropriate reserves across all funds, strong credit, and no debt obligations, with each financial lever ready to address any need. As the Village embarks on this new fiscal year, there’s excitement about the possibilities it holds, and a steadfast commitment to serving the valued community members.
BUDGET SUMMARY
$38,608,356 PROJECTED FY2025 FUND BALANCE
$29,237,129 FY2026 BUDGETED EXPENDITURES
$27,522,700 FY2026 BUDGETED REVENUE
$36,893,927 ESTIMATED FY2026 FUND BALANCE $
Capital Expenditures
MAJOR INITIATIVES PLANNED
n
$2,892,000 – Carriage Way Water Main
n $650,000 – Police HVAC Improvements
n $653,000 – Pump Center improvements
n $616,000 – 62nd Street Water Main
n $600,000 – Annual Road Program
n
n
$250,000 – Lincolnshire/Burr Ridge Parkway Pathway / Crosswalk
$200,000 – Hinsdale Interconnect
n $150,000 – Carriage Way Sanitary Sewer
n $140,000 – Backhoe Replacement
n $100,000 – New Police Vehicles
The Village’s Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) identifies capital projects that support the Village’s Strategic Vision and includes projects such as improvement of land, buildings, streets, water and sewer infrastructure, vehicles, machinery, and equipment. Each year, as part of the overall budget process, the department heads and Village Administrator review and update the multi-year plan, prioritizing projects based on the Village’s overall goals, department priorities and anticipated funding. The final CIP, including requests and funding for the upcoming budget year, is presented to the Board of Trustees based on the consensus of staff. The Village’s FY2026 capital improvement program amounts to $6,206,000, reflecting projects budgeted in the General, Capital Improvement, Water, and Sewer Funds.
GFOA Triple Crown Winner The Village received the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) “Triple Crown Award” for fiscal years 2023 and 2024. The GFOA Triple Crown Award recognizes that the Village has received the GFOA’s Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, the Award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting, and the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for a single fiscal year. This achievement reflects the Village’s unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of financial reporting, reinforcing our goals of fiscal transparency and prudent fiscal management.
Comprehensive Plan Update The Comprehensive Plan was last fully analyzed in 1997 and needs review. This process will allow the Village to update the Comprehensive Plan to continue to responsibly manage today’s zoning needs while ensuring the Village’s long-term land use goals reflect the community’s overall goals and direction.
Village Property Tax Levy The Village approved a flat 2024 property tax levy compared to the prior year. Given the increase in the Village’s overall valuation, the average homeowner’s tax bill will remain flat or slightly decrease. The average home in Burr Ridge pays less than $225 per year to the Village in property tax. For this small amount, residents receive a CALEA-accredited police department, 24/7 emergency response, sidewalk maintenance, road programs, a noteworthy special event calendar and many other benefits. The Village’s property tax rate is the third lowest among DuPage County communities.
SIDEWALK / PATHWAY
INVESTMENT AREAS OF THE VILLAGE’S FY2026 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
Fiscal Year 2026 Revenue
VILLAGE REVENUE SOURCES REMAIN STRONG and are exceeding pre-pandemic levels. Projected sales, non-home rule sales, use, and income tax projections for FY2025 are 17% lower than FY2024, as actuals for FY2024 included a one-time additional payment of Sales Tax to the Village of approximately $2 million. FY2026 forecasts for these revenues are 7.9% lower than FY2025 levels. In FY2025, rate-related revenues within the Water and Sewer Funds are forecasted to increase approximately $513,420 as compared to FY2024 actuals.
FY2026 REVENUES BY TYPE ALL FUNDS
Total Revenue $27,522,700
REVENUE HIGHLIGHTS
Sales & Use Tax
The Village of Burr Ridge relies on sales tax revenue, comprising 28.13% of FY2026 General Fund revenues, totaling $3.45 million. This revenue, generated by both existing and new businesses, excludes potential newcomers. Burr Ridge’s strategic location attracts visitors, bolstering our tax base and funding essential services. Additionally, the 1% Places-of-Eating (POE) tax on restaurants is projected to contribute approx. $572,000 in FY26, constituting about 8% of General Fund tax revenue, reflecting the vibrant dining scene in downtown Burr Ridge.
Property Tax
Property taxes represent 11% of General Fund revenue in FY2026, the fifth consecutive year without a planned rate increase and continuing the Village’s effort to reduce reliance on property taxes. The Village’s levy represents the third-lowest municipal property tax rate among DuPage County communities. Property tax primarily funds the Police Pension contribution, reflecting the Village’s commitment to public safety. However, increased or reassessed property values may lead to property tax hikes beyond the Village’s control.
State Income Tax
Illinois levies income taxes on all residents, with local municipalities like Burr Ridge receiving a portion based on population through the Local Government Distributive Fund. For budgetary purposes, the Village projects income tax revenues utilizing assumptions provided by the Illinois Municipal League, who estimate income tax collections based on economic projections that historically have been consistent with actual receipts. The Village estimates its per capita revenues on the 2020 Certified Census population of 11,192 at $178.27 for FY2026, totaling approx. $1,983,353, a minor increase from FY2025.
Water Fund Revenue
FY2026 Water Fund revenues amount to $9,317,750, or 37.2% of total FY2026 revenues. Revenue from the sale of water to users of the system accounts for approximately 97% of total Water Fund revenues. Other revenues of the Water Fund may consist of grants, penalties for late payment, tap-on fees, water meter sales, and other misc. revenues. Water rates approved for FY2024–FY2028 and subsequently amended for increases from the City of Chicago or Bedford Park, provide sufficient revenues to cover the operating costs of the fund, significant capital projects, and transfers to the Village’s General Fund.
Fiscal Year 2026 Expenditures
THE VILLAGE MAKES A CONCERTED EFFORT to anticipate expenses and plan for them within the budget document. Every budget is built from the ground up using two simple rules to evaluate spending requests: priority and value. If the community demands an item, it is a priority, and if it is a priority, it must be delivered at an objective financial value.
FY2026 EXPENDITURES BY TYPE ALL FUNDS
Total Expenses
$29,237,129
$6,047,500 20.68%
Personnel
Personnel represent the largest component of the Village’s overall expenditures. The FY2026 Budget reflects a total personnel count of fifty-nine full-time and four parttime positions, while the Village remains focused on optimizing efficiency & enhancing service delivery. The Village has reduced its employee count by 4 in the past few years as a result of our dedication to protecting taxpayer resources. The Village is grateful to have a skilled & diverse workforce whose unwavering dedication to serving the community is integral to maintaining the Village’s high standards of service and quality of life.
Capital Investment
In FY2026, the Village’s capital investment remains robust, with expenditures totaling over $6 million. Key allocations include $4.4 million for water system improvements and over $900,000 for capital projects like the Road Program, pathways improvements and stormwater enhancements. Through the capital planning process, the Village strategically addresses long-term capital needs, allocating over $17 million for planned investments over the next five years.
Public Safety
Significant investments have been made to enhance public safety, including the installation of Flock Safety cameras in the Downtown Business District and the completion of the transition to upgraded firearms with reddot optic sites. Following Chief Madden’s retirement, Deputy Chief Marc Loftus was appointed to serve as Chief. Sergeants David Allen and Kristopher Garcia were appointed as Deputy Chiefs. The Board of Fire & Police Commissioners adopted processes for accepting lateral-entry police officers, hiring experienced officers from Oak Park, Fox River Grove, Chicago, & Cicero Police Departments.
Police Pensions
Contributions to the Police Pension Fund are one of the largest expenditures for the Village. The Fund acts as a fiduciary for eligible, retired officers, as required of every municipality in Illinois with a police department. The Village’s annual property-tax levy provides the funding for the Village’s contribution to the Fund. In 2023, the Village Board passed a resolution modifying its formal police pension funding policy, setting a goal to annually contribute 100% of the recommended contribution. The Village commits its Police-Pensionproperty-tax levy solely to fund contributions, prioritizing pension obligations over other expenditures.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Concerts on The Green
Every Thursday | June 5 – July 31, 2025 (No Concert on July 3)
THE VILLAGE OF BURR RIDGE & BURR RIDGE VILLAGE CENTER bring you a variety of musical talent with a selection of contemporary, rock, classic, jazz, southern rock and country bands to the annual Concerts on the Green! Concerts begin at 7:00 p.m. and end at 8:30 p.m. on Thursday evenings. Our free concerts provide safe and fun entertainment for the community. Arrive early to grab food from area restaurants!
Mecca Moves: 5K & 1K Run, Walk & Roll
Saturday, September 20, 2025
WE ARE A PROUD SPONSOR of the Mecca Center’s 5K & 1K Run, Walk and Roll that will take place this fall. Grab your gear and bring out the whole family for this fun community event.
Deck the Green
Friday, November 21, 2025
Family Fall Festival
Saturday, September 27, 2025
BRING THE WHOLE FAMILY OUT to enjoy the autumn season with us as we sponsor the Pleasant Dale Park District’s annual Family Fall Festival at Walker Park. The event will feature inflatables, games, food, a DJ, hayrides, beer & more.
CELEBRATE THE MAGIC OF THE SEASON AT DECK THE GREEN! Join us outdoors on the Village Green at Burr Ridge Village Center for an evening filled with holiday cheer featuring a grand tree lighting, festive holiday train rides around the Green, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus and other holiday characters, dazzling lighted jugglers, festive face painting stations, and more. It’s the perfect way to ring in the holiday season with family and friends!
