ELMWOOD — The Elmwood Village Board approved the 2027 budget at Monday’s meeting, projecting an $8,637 General Fund surplus, an increase of $27,494 from the shortfall that was projected during an October committee meeting.

The largest change over that time is a decrease in culture, recreation and education funding from $105,000 to $72,618 to decrease General Fund expenditure projections to $848,362.40. General fund revenues are projected at $857,000 and saw no change from the October numbers.

The tax revenue number is $460,000, making up about 53.7% of village revenues. Making up the vast majority of remaining revenues is intergovernmental revenue, accounting for $364,000.

As for expenses, general government is budgeted for $255,000, Public Works for $185,000, police for $128,478.80 and other public safety for $81,545.20.

The board also approved a change to employee health benefits to address the rising insurance costs. Staff previously received full coverage for themselves, their spouses and all of their children. The approval changed that to 50% coverage for children, continuing the full coverage for the employees and their spouses.

The village has recently been receiving mail with insufficient postage to the post office. The mail then cannot be processed, including utility bills and letters, and oftentimes return addresses have not been included either. To process that mail, the village would have to assume the postage costs if a decision was not reached Monday. The board passed the motion to not accept mail with insufficient postage, adjusting future bills accordingly if any late fees are applicable.

The board gave the go ahead to the American Legion to paint a mural on the west wall of the well house. A few photos of military-themed mural ideas were passed around, but the chosen design will be up to the Legion. The Legion will be covering the costs of the project, and for those interested, the organization may be looking for community members to help create it.