Peoria City Council wrestled with its 2022-2023 biennial budget — and each other — during special meetings this fall.

On Oct. 26: Peoria Township officials asked for a tax increase, but didn’t get it. City Manager Patrick Urich said recovery funds might be an alternative.

At-Large Councilor Charles Grayeb highlighted firefighting concerns and asked if there was funding to restore Engine 2 through 2021. Urich said funding was there. Timing, lack of information, legality of the action and overtime impact on budget were discussed, at length. Still, the measure to restore the engine passed 6-4.

On Nov. 16: Without the public safety pension tax, $2 million for city coffers is gone. By law, the city pension obligation for 2022 is approximately $27.7 million, with another $360 million due by 2040.

Urich provided options to address the shortfall, including whether to fill open positions or use increased revenues. There was little support to cut public safety. Urich noted paying the minimum pension obligation puts the city further behind and stressed long-term strategy.

On Nov. 23: Urich reviewed revenues. Between increased sales tax, shared state revenues, pandemic funds and some economic recovery, revenues exceed expectations by about $17.4 million. So $4 million could be used for pensions, as well as funding reserves.

The Council adopted the budget 8-3. Councilors Zachary Oyler, Denis Cyr and Sid Ruckriegel voted nay. Funding for police and fire remains intact for 2022-2023.

Minutes and videos can be found on the city website at www.peoriagov.org.

County business

Peoria County Board held its regular monthly meeting Nov. 11 with all members participating except Chairman Andrew Rand.

The Redistricting Committee discussed changes to district boundaries, including recent modifications for rural areas in Districts 14 and 16. The interactive draft map and videos describing the redistricting process are available at https://data-peoriacountygis.opendata.arcgis.com/apps/redistricting-explained/explore.

Under regular business, a joint emergency telephone system was approved for Peoria and Stark counties. Stark County was the final Illinois county without 911 service; this alignment covers the next two years.

Peoria County Board of Election Commissioners met Nov. 9, including new Commissioner Jeanne Williamson.

New rules were in effect covering public comments: Members of the public should provide written notice before the meeting is called to order. In general, speakers will get five minutes before the consent agenda.

Two vendors, ES&S and Hart Intercivic, returned bids for a new voting system. Both companies gave presentations to the evaluation committee, which used a weighted 12-point rating for comparison.

Hart can handle cumulative voting (which is used in the City of Peoria), while ES&S would have to set it up. Both systems are accessible to handicapped voters. Both use secure paper ballots. Hart scored higher on nine of 12 points, including 100 percent on security.

The evaluation committee recommended Hart. Cost is being negotiated.

Housing Authority

Peoria Housing Authority Board of Commissioners learned about new grant options on Nov. 1

CEO Jackie Newman reported back on the “Choice Neighborhood” program, which could provide opportunities for distressed properties like Harrison Homes. The two-year grant would involve city planning and other partners. A second two-year grant is possible, as well as other funding.

Newman was enthused about ground breaking for Providence Point, which replaces former Taft housing. She said PHA had talked about this since 2010. She thanked commissioners for their support and encouraged them to keep momentum going to upgrade older housing stock.

There was no update on CEO candidate search.

Meeting schedule and agenda available at www.peoriahousing.org.

Landfill

Peoria City/County Solid Waste (Landfill) Committee held a Special Meeting Nov. 18 via Microsoft Teams access, Chairman Steve Morris presiding.

Foth Engineering reported unexpected budget expenditures due an earlier-than-expected Illinois Environmental Protection Agency inspection. Paperwork and unplanned repairs were necessary.

Planned work on new well lines was completed. Landfill gas methane was measured at 37.9 percent for October, which was described as typical.

Both the municipal solid waste and special waste received at the landfills to date are below 2020 levels, by a total of 6,260 tons. Foth and City staff are monitoring.

Committee member Rick Fox wants a policy discussion about coal combustion residuals and discussion with GFL about options when they begin construction of the new landfill.

Full meeting agenda packets are available at http://www.peoriagov.org/boards-commissions/.

League of Women Voters of Greater Peoria observers attend and report on local government meetings.

Check www.lwvgp.org/news/category/observer-reports-logo.