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Elmhurst Today
By the People, for the People
Elmhurst Events Cost Taxpayers Thousands, Some Groups Pay Nothing
City officials seek accounting of event costs as budget shortfall expected to grow
Apr. 10, 2026 at 1:23pm
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The annual St. Patrick's Day parade in Elmhurst is the city's biggest event expense, costing taxpayers over $38,000 last year with no reimbursement from organizers.Elmhurst TodayThe city of Elmhurst, Illinois has released an analysis of the costs associated with hosting various events, parades, and races throughout the year. While some groups reimburse the city for part of the costs, others pay nothing, leaving taxpayers to cover the expenses for police, fire, and public works departments. The biggest expense is the annual St. Patrick's Day parade, which cost the city $38,566 last year with no reimbursement. Other major events like Rock the Block and the Turkey Trot also incurred significant city costs, though organizers covered some of the expenses.
Why it matters
As Elmhurst faces growing budget problems, with an expected increase in the annual shortfall over the next few years, city officials are seeking a more consistent and transparent approach to event costs. The analysis highlights the financial burden on taxpayers for hosting these community events, raising questions about whether all groups should be required to reimburse the city for a portion of the public resources used.
The details
The city's analysis found that the St. Patrick's Day parade was the biggest expense, costing $38,566 last year with no reimbursement. The police department deployed about two-thirds of its force, 43 officers, to the parade, accounting for the majority of the costs. For the Rock the Block event last September, the city devoted about $53,000 in resources, with the organizers covering the public works costs but leaving the city to pay around $24,000. The Turkey Trot race involved about $27,000 in city costs, with the city paying $8,500 and being reimbursed for the rest.
- The city released its analysis of event costs in preparation for a Monday meeting of the City Council's public safety committee.
- A couple of months ago, Mayor Scott Levin and Alderman Mike Brennan asked for the analysis amid the city's budget problems, with the annual shortfall expected to increase over the next few years.
The players
Scott Levin
The mayor of Elmhurst, Illinois who requested the analysis of event costs.
Mike Brennan
An alderman in Elmhurst, Illinois who requested the analysis of event costs along with Mayor Levin.
What’s next
The city committee will establish 'clear and consistent' expectations for future events in Elmhurst based on the cost analysis.
The takeaway
Elmhurst's analysis of event costs highlights the financial burden on taxpayers for hosting community events, raising questions about whether all groups should be required to reimburse the city for a portion of the public resources used. As the city faces growing budget problems, officials are seeking a more transparent and equitable approach to managing these event expenses.
