Lombard residents have a chance to weigh in on next year’s spending priorities before the 2027 budget reaches a final vote.

The Lombard budget hearing is scheduled for Thursday, November 5, at 6 p.m., alongside the first readings of the proposed budget and 2026 tax levy ordinances.

Second readings and anticipated approval are planned for November 19, so the proposal is not yet an adopted budget.

The Finance and Administration Committee recommended the proposed budget on October 26, following a September 17 board workshop.

Across all funds, the plan calls for roughly $151.3 million in spending and $131.9 million in revenue.

The difference mainly represents planned spending of accumulated reserves on capital projects, while the unrestricted General Fund balances at about $50 million.

For households, one concrete change is in Lombard water rates: the combined water and sewer usage charge rises from $18.21 to $18.90 per 1,000 gallons under the existing rate schedule.

The combined fixed service and capital charges rise from $12.22 to $12.85 per monthly bill.

A household using 4,000 gallons monthly would pay an estimated $88.45 instead of $85.06, an increase of $3.39 a month, or $40.68 a year.

The proposed capital improvement program totals about $39.5 million, including $12.31 million for street work and related underground improvements, plus roughly $11.12 million for water-system projects outside street construction.

That puts roads and utility infrastructure at the center of the spending conversation.

The hearing is the next opportunity to consider those investments before trustees act on the budget and levy later in November.

Residents can review the proposed budget ahead of the meeting; meeting dates and times remain subject to change.