Frankfort Park District Reorganizes Board, Explores Options for Tax-Impacting Projects

FRANKFORT – The Frankfort Park District Board seated its re-elected members, reorganized its leadership, and approved its new annual budget on Tuesday, while also revealing it is actively exploring options for a major future project that would likely require a tax increase.

During its May 13 meeting, the board discussed how to best present several development options to residents, signaling the early stages of a potential referendum or significant capital campaign. The discussion followed a meeting between Executive Director Gina Hassett and a consultant identified as “Paul from Beyond Your Base,” who raised concerns about the public’s perception of a planned Open House and its potential tax implications.

In response, Hassett prepared a new exhibit for public presentation that illustrates four different project options and their estimated impact on an individual’s tax bill.

“It’s important to do this because the District has land,” Commissioner Ruvoli said, suggesting the board should “go back to the Village and seeing how to work with them.”

Commissioners also suggested engaging other elected officials, such as the mayor and state legislators, to build support for any future plans. Williams Architects, a firm specializing in recreational design, is expected to be present at the Open House to help explain the proposals to the public. The board stressed the importance of encouraging residents to attend and provide feedback.

The strategic discussion on future projects came just after the board settled its leadership for the new term. Following the April 2025 election, Commissioner Barz administered the oath of office to re-elected commissioners Mike McCarey, Mark Ponton, and Tom Ruvoli. The board then unanimously voted to retain its existing leadership slate: Mike McCarey as President, Elmer Gentry as Vice President, Mark Ponton as Treasurer, and Tom Ruvoli as Secretary. Commissioner Barz was also nominated and approved as Board Historian.

In its primary fiscal business, the board formally approved the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget and appropriations ordinance. As part of the new budget, commissioners approved a transfer of $436,824 from the Corporate Fund to cover deficits in other areas, including $427,597 to the Recreation Fund. When questioned by Commissioner Gentry about the amount, Hassett explained that some of the smaller fund transfers would not be necessary in future budgets.