Finance

Department Information

The Finance Department is responsible for the efficient and effective management of the District’s financial activities and provides support services to each of the District’s departments and divisions.  The Finance Department’s major responsibilities include financial and budgetary policy development and reporting, debt, investment and cash management, customer service, payroll, purchasing, accounts payable and revenue management.  Other responsibilities include providing analytical support, accounting and budgeting advice to District departments and divisions.

2022 Budget and Financial Overview

The Fox Valley Park District’s 2022 budget, as approved by the Board of Commissioners on December 13, 2021, represents the District’s mission of enriching the community with fun, diverse and safe park and recreation experiences through environmentally and fiscally responsible actions, as well as the budget theme and overall goal of “Reimagining Recreation”. The District continuously strives to have an impact on the lives of its patrons while understanding the dynamics of the diverse communities we serve. The 2022 budget not only reflects the District’s goals but also allows it to maintain a strong financial position.

The pandemic has continued to have lasting effects and has created ongoing challenges for the District to face.  The District’s total 2021 revenue estimates have begun to rebound and increased 11% over 2020, while District operating expenditures have increased only 7%.  The financial impact of the pandemic has not adversely affected the District’s projected 2021 year-end reserve estimates due to solid fiscal planning methodologies and financial stewardship over the District’s assets.

At the height of the Pandemic, the District quickly realized that consumer habits had changed. The demand for the customary facilities, programs, amenities, and services that the District has successfully offered for years needed to look and feel different and adapt to new safety protocols. Therefore, to remain committed to its mission, the District had to “reimagine recreation”, which was the budget theme for 2021 and continues to be the theme for 2022.  At a minimum, the District performs the following on a continuous basis:

Maximize the use of District facilities – review the use, and related revenue generation, of each District facility to ensure available space is utilized in the most efficient manner available, as well as determine that a demand still exists for the existing facilities

Offer relevant programming – review the current needs and opportunities arising from the change in required services.

Grant based alternate revenue sources – explore opportunities to enhance the District’s current recreation offerings with available funding through grants.

“Right price” memberships, programs, amenities, and services – continuously review, and revise when applicable, membership and program fees to minimize the District’s reliance on property taxes

Advertise the Fox Fitness brand – based upon the impact of temporary closures and subsequent limited capacities on the way the District provides services, focus on advertising the Fox Fitness brand to promote health and safety standards, as well as social distancing practices, for the return of existing members, as well as to constantly promote and draw in new members. Continuously evaluate new fitness opportunities within the community to provide services in more geographic locations.

Budget Announcements

Tentative Budget and Appropriation Ordinance for 2022 (.pdf)
– Posted Tuesday November 9, 2021

2021 Tax Levy Ordinance (.pdf)
– Posted Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2021