The Village of Lisle, located in DuPage County, operates under a council-manager form of government, which is designed to provide professional management and efficient municipal services. The elected officials set policy and strategic direction, while an appointed Village Manager oversees daily operations and administration. This governance model ensures that professional expertise guides municipal management while elected representatives remain accountable to residents.
This guide provides an in-depth look at Lisle’s local government structure, key officials, budget, tax policies, public services, and ways residents can engage with their community.
How the Government of Lisle Works
Lisle is governed by a Mayor, a six-member Board of Trustees, and a Village Clerk, all elected to four-year terms. The Village Manager, in contrast, is appointed by the Board and is responsible for executing policy decisions, managing village departments, and ensuring that public services are delivered effectively.
Mayor (Christopher Pecak, 2021–2025) – The Mayor serves as the village’s chief elected official, presides over Village Board meetings, represents Lisle in intergovernmental affairs, and provides leadership on policy decisions. However, the Mayor's executive powers are limited compared to those of a strong-mayor system. While the Mayor votes on ordinances and resolutions alongside the Trustees, their role is more ceremonial and consensus-driven.
Board of Trustees – Lisle’s six Trustees act as the legislative body, approving budgets, setting policies, and voting on ordinances that govern municipal functions. They are responsible for strategic decision-making on infrastructure, public safety, economic development, and community projects.
Village Clerk (Kristy Grau, 2021–2025) – The Clerk maintains official records, oversees local election procedures, and ensures compliance with public meeting laws. This role is essential in maintaining government transparency.
Appointed Officials & Administrative Roles
Village Manager (Eric Ertmoed, since 2017) – The Village Manager is a professional administrator hired to manage Lisle’s daily operations. This includes overseeing village departments such as public works, finance, police, and community development. The Manager ensures that policies set by the Board are implemented effectively while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
Department Heads – Lisle has directors overseeing key functions, including Public Works, Finance, Community & Economic Development, and Public Safety. These professionals execute the operational needs of the village and ensure municipal services meet residents’ expectations.
Lisle operates with an annual budget of approximately $44–$45 million, covering essential services, infrastructure, and municipal programs. The village follows a fiscal year from May 1 to April 30, with financial planning focused on maintaining a balanced budget while investing in long-term capital improvements.
Revenue Sources
Lisle generates revenue primarily from taxation and service fees:
Property Taxes: The Village of Lisle collects $4.9 million annually in property taxes, but this accounts for only a small fraction of a homeowner’s total property tax bill. The majority of property tax revenue in Lisle goes to local school districts and DuPage County.
Sales Tax: Lisle imposes a 7.0% sales tax on purchases within village limits, a portion of which is retained for local funding.
Utility Taxes: A 6% telecommunications tax, 5% natural gas tax, and electricity usage tax provide additional revenue for village operations.
Water & Sewer Fees: Residents pay $6.88 per 1,000 gallons of water, funding maintenance of Lisle’s municipal water system.
Permits & Licensing Fees: Revenue is also generated from building permits, business licenses, and development impact fees.
Expenditures
The village allocates funds strategically to maintain infrastructure, ensure public safety, and provide essential services:
Public Safety: A significant portion of the budget funds Lisle’s police department, which employs approximately 38 sworn officers. Fire protection and EMS services are provided separately by the Lisle-Woodridge Fire Protection District, funded through a separate levy.
Public Works & Infrastructure: Road maintenance, snow removal, water distribution, and stormwater management account for a large share of spending. Lisle has invested over $6 million in stormwater infrastructure improvements to prevent flooding in vulnerable areas.
General Government: Administrative expenses cover municipal staff salaries, legal services, and intergovernmental collaborations.
Capital Improvements: Approximately $11.6 million is allocated annually for long-term projects, including road reconstruction, public facility upgrades, and park improvements.
Lisle has maintained a balanced budget without raising the property tax levy in recent years, demonstrating fiscal discipline while ensuring municipal services remain well-funded.
Tax Rates & Fiscal Responsibility
Lisle’s tax structure balances revenue generation with economic competitiveness:
Property Tax Rate: 7.6773% (Lisle’s share is 0.4095%)
Sales Tax: 7.00%
Utility Taxes: Telecommunications (6%), Natural Gas (5%), Electricity (variable)
Lisle’s financial management prioritizes economic sustainability, leveraging grants and intergovernmental partnerships to minimize the burden on residents while funding essential services.
Public Services in Lisle
Lisle provides a range of municipal services that enhance quality of life for residents and businesses.
Public Safety
Lisle Police Department: With 38 officers, the department ensures community safety, crime prevention, and emergency response. It is accredited and recognized for professional excellence.
Lisle-Woodridge Fire Protection District: Provides fire suppression, EMS, and rescue services, with an ISO Class 1 rating indicating top-tier service.
Public Works & Infrastructure
Road Maintenance & Snow Removal: Lisle’s Public Works Department repairs streets, plows roads in winter, and maintains public infrastructure.
Water & Sewer Management: The village provides potable water sourced from Lake Michigan and maintains the sanitary sewer system.
Stormwater Management: Lisle has invested significantly in flood mitigation projects to protect homes and businesses from water damage.
Parks & Recreation
While the Lisle Park District (a separate government entity) manages parks and recreational facilities, the village collaborates on events and infrastructure projects. Highlights include:
Community Park & PrairieWalk Pond – Green spaces for recreation, walking trails, and community events.
Sea Lion Aquatic Park – A public water park managed by the Park District.
Civic Engagement & Participation
Residents can engage with their local government in several ways:
Attend Village Board Meetings – Held biweekly at Village Hall, meetings allow residents to hear discussions and voice concerns.
Vote in Local Elections – Municipal elections determine leadership and policies affecting daily life. Voter turnout is often low, so engaged citizens have a significant impact.
Serve on Advisory Boards & Commissions – Lisle has committees focused on economic development, zoning, and environmental issues, allowing residents to contribute expertise.
Volunteer for Community Initiatives – Opportunities include park cleanups, event organization, and assisting in emergency preparedness programs.
Stay Informed – The village offers newsletters, social media updates, and public forums to keep residents engaged with policy decisions.
Conclusion
Lisle’s government operates with strong fiscal management, professional administration, and a commitment to public service. The council-manager system ensures accountability and efficiency, with elected officials setting policy and a professional staff handling operations. Through responsible budgeting, strategic investments, and community engagement, Lisle continues to be a thriving suburban municipality with a high quality of life.
Understanding local government is crucial, as decisions made at the municipal level directly impact daily life. Whether it’s maintaining roads, funding police services, or approving economic development projects, Lisle’s government plays an integral role in shaping the community. Residents who stay informed and participate in local governance help ensure Lisle remains a great place to live, work, and grow.
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