Shortfalls In La Grange's Parking Account

LA GRANGE, IL – La Grange's parking fund suffered a shortfall for the second year in a row, a result of changes in commuting habits, the village reported Monday.

Since the pandemic, the village has seen decreases in the use of daily and metered parking spaces. And Metra reports that ridership is 43 percent of pre-pandemic levels, according to the village.

The village's income from parking enforcement is also declining.

For the budget year ending April 30, the parking fund deficit was $163,411. As a result, La Grange has transferred money from its main account, according to a village memo.

Such transfers are expected to continue until the recommendations from a parking study are carried out "in earnest," the memo said.

On Monday, the Village Board heard a presentation from a representative of its auditing firm, Sikich.

Last budget year, which ended April 30, the village incurred a "minor" overall deficit of $276,574, according to the village memo.

That was attributed to unexpected spending on staff recruitment and increases in supply costs, building maintenance and professional services, the memo said.

The deficit was less than budgeted because of savings related to vacancies in several departments, the village said.