With one bellwether election barely behind us — ringing in five new Peoria County Board members — another will toll in the immediate future.

Meanwhile, the nitty-gritty work of government grinds on.

Peoria City Council

On Nov. 8, Township Supervisor LaTrina Leary proposed an estimated tax levy of $1,338,046, with an estimated tax rate not to exceed 0.087714. Peoria Township has six months budget in reserve and the levy passed unanimously.

No one from the public spoke regarding 2023’s revised budget.

The Council also approved 2023 Community Development Block Grant funding for $275,000 and discussed a survey on cannabis.

On Nov. 15, the Council held a special budget meeting. A resolution to raise parking rates at city-owned facilities was deferred pending a parking study.

A freeze on storm water utility fees was removed effective January 2024. The storm water fee rate has been unchanged since 2021; that rate is $5 per 1,000 square feet impervious area.

Finance Director Kyle Cratty presented information on an ordinance to partially abate taxes levied for general obligation bonds. Discussion also included library bonds, pension and IMRF. Ordinance passed with Councilors Sid Ruckriegel, Zach Oyler and John Kelly voting no. There was much discussion on levying taxes for fiscal year 2023. Items funded include an 8.1% increase for police pensions and 7.8 % increase for firefighter pensions.

On Nov. 22 councilors:

• Approved $250,000 for a consolidated rail infrastructure and safety improvement grant. Illinois Department of Transportation will match funds. City Manager Patrick Urich anticipated the city’s contribution to this stage could be up to $850,000.

• Addressed cannabis business operations, with General Counsel Patrick Hayes outlining the key points. Council discussed waiting times to receive dispensary license, on site consumption and other issues from public response to recent survey. The issue returns Dec. 13.

• Approved a $1.8 million short-term bridge loan to Peoria Civic Center. Funds should be repaid within 2-4 weeks.

• Approved a five-year lease for Childers Eatery at the Gateway Building.

• Approved a tax increment financing district for proposed Medina Plains-Allen Road Business Park. Public hearing is Jan. 10 at City Hall.

• Amended special use for adult cannabis facility at 7628 N. Route 91.

• Adopted the amended $266 million 2023 budget with one abstention and two nays. Councilor Denis Cyr encouraged members to identify priorities going forward with a strategy planning session.

Election Commission

On Nov. 15, Peoria County Board of Election Commissioners held its regular meeting with all members present. Public comments included numerous complaints about Election Day. Chairman Jim Manning asked that some comments be deferred due to time constraints. He also said training judges would be discussed at another meeting.

As of this meeting, with 94% of the ballots returned, there were 33,000 voters in the Midterm Elections: 19.4% early voters, 24.3% mail-in, and 1,500 ballots still out.

Peoria County Board

The Board held its regular meeting Nov. 10 with all present but member Rachel Reliford.

With the recent general election, this was the final meeting for five board members who chose not to run again: Chairman Andrew Rand, Vice-Chairman James Fennell, Junior Watkins, Reliford and Kate Pastucha. Proclamations were read recognizing their years of service and contributions as members. Of special note, Junior Watkins served for nearly 28 years, and Andrew Rand served as board chair for a record-breaking eight years.

The only citizen comment was made by former board member Stephen Morris. He congratulated and thanked the board for efforts to professionalize. He also congratulated Chairman Rand on his tenure and thanked all the departing board members.

In regular business, the board voted unanimously to approve three zoning petitions: A solar energy generating facility in Medina Township; a short-term rental property in Medina Township and a mobile home on agricultural land in Rosefield Township.

Proclamations were read recognizing two consecutive IESA Class 1A softball championships won by Brimfield Grade School; Small Business Saturday and Aaron Broomfield’s winning Peoria County Flag design.

The consent agenda passed unanimously. Items approved at the meeting included:

• Transfer of county property to Chillicothe Township and the Chillicothe Park District.

• PCAPS veterinary services provided by the Peoria County Veterinary Medical Association and Dr. Justin Brown, as deputy administrator.

• Amendments to the Food Safety Ordinance related to farmer’s markets.

• Road and bridge projects on Old Galena Road and Dickison Road, respectively.

League of Women Voters of Greater Peoria observers attend and report on local government meetings. Check https://www.lwvgp.org/news/category/observer-reports-logo.