The village held a series of budget meetings earlier this year. It was the second time Village Administrator Rachell Entler led workshops focused on breaking down the biggest costs for departments in the coming years and brainstorming new forms of revenue. At this year’s meetings, commissioners and staff discussed increasing the fees for vehicle stickers that show proof of having a vehicle license to make a dent in the projected $15 million deficit in the current fiscal year, which runs through April 30, 2026.
As a result of those discussions, on Sept. 8, commissioners unanimously approved a $10 increase to all the license fees for standard, commercial and recreational vehicles, motorcycles, and senior citizen registrations. The increase will start in 2026 and bring in approximately $70,000 to the village.
An increase in vehicle sticker fees hasn’t been implemented since 2017, according to Village Clerk Vanessa Belmonte. She recommended the amount to increase the fees — which are $20 to $130, depending on the vehicle — which both Entler and Finance Director Letitia Olmsted have approved.
While the vehicle sticker fees haven’t changed since 2017, Forest Park’s operating expenses have. For example, village officials say its insurance costs have increased over $400,000 in the last two years alone.
Now, they’re hoping an increase in revenue through vehicle stickers will help dig the village a bit out of its financial hole.
