Family
Education
Mayor’s Message
“If Lake Forest were an island, our
excellent financial position would not
be challenged.”
Lake Forest IS in excellent financial
condition. That was my bottom-line
message at the recent Chamber of
Commerce Annual Luncheon, where
Lake Bluff Village President Kathleen
O’Hara and I were the speakers. It
was a pleasure to address business owners and residents
of Lake Forest and Lake Bluff, and to answer their questions.
Lake Forest’s Triple A bond rating, built on sound fiscal poli-
cies and ample fund balance reserves, puts Lake Forest in
durable condition for the time being. Eventually, however,
the inability of the State of Illinois to address fiscal issues
directly with real, long-term solutions will reach our com-
munity.
I’ve heard these State budgeting realities and concerning
trends being discussed in grocery stores, on the golf course,
and at dinner parties. Lake Foresters are taking notice and
asking more questions of State and local officials they elect
to office.
For decades, the City Councils and staff of the City of Lake
Forest have routinely and thoughtfully made budget deci-
sions consistent with sound long-term solutions. This long
tradition of prudent fiscal decision-making, sound practices
and long-term forecasting have prepared Lake Forest well
for the gathering storm over Springfield.
The City Council will begin its budgeting process for Fiscal
Year 2019 this September with a Special City Council Work-
shop to discuss fiscal stress parameters. At this workshop,
City Council and staff will discuss potential fiscal scenarios
driven by the acts and omissions of the State legislature
and their impacts on the City’s long-term financial plan.
Staff regularly examines City operations to determine if
there are more efficient or more cost-effective methods
for providing services to residents. Planning, prepara-
tion and proper alignment of goals and personnel are vital
components of our long-term fiscal strategy. Lake Forest’s
2017-2020 Strategic Plan outlines directives thoughtfully
considered, achievable and sustainable. The Strategic Plan
is available for your review on the City’s website, cityoflake-
forest.com.
PAGE 2
Tradition
Philanthropy
During the past several months, the City has been in impor-
tant discussions with the Lake Forest School Districts 67 and
115. Among the unfavorable scenarios being discussed in
Springfield, such as some versions of school funding reform,
a property tax freeze, and transferring the obligation for
funding pensions to local school districts, will put most
units of local government into fiscal danger if the State of
Illinois decides to move in one or more of these directions.
Since the public schools account for more than 50% of your
tax bill, and our schools are a significant reason people
move to our community, it is prudent and in all of our best
interests to engage in joint, long-term financial planning.
On that note, I encourage you to attend a community forum
that the City is co-hosting with the public school system
on Tuesday, October 3, 7 p.m. at Gorton (see page 3). This
public forum will give you a chance to learn more about the
situation and ask questions of elected officials and staff.
I and the City Council appreciate your interest, ideas and
opinions on this topic and all others. Please continue to
communicate with us. Our contact information is listed on
the back of the Dialogue.
Robert T.E. Lansing
Mayor, City of Lake Forest