Budgets and due diligence meant there were lots of details for your elected representatives to check as they prepare for 2024 and its upcoming elections.

Peoria County Board

The Peoria County Board met Oct. 12 with all members present except member Brian Elsasser. The board unanimously approved the annual tax levy and 2024 budget. Highlights include:

• A balanced budget of $155.2 million.
• A 6.7% increase in the EAV (Equalized Assessed Value) resulting in an additional $1.97 million in revenue — the highest EAV increase in years.
• Maintaining $0.8241 rate per $100 property assessed valuation.
• Almost six new full-time equivalent employees, primarily in animal control and facilities/grounds.

Several members said they want the budget to be open to amendment. Some indicated they want reserves to grow, since the reserve fund may be depleted in 2032. Paying off the Heddington Oaks bonds remained a high priority.

The board also unanimously approved a new five-year collective bargaining agreement with AFSCME-PCEA Local 3586. Covered employees will see 3% annual pay increases over the five years with an additional 2% economic adjustment in Year 1 and a $1,000 signing bonus. The overall impact on the 2023 budget is $154,221.

Election Commission

Peoria County Board of Elections met Oct. 16, with all commissioners present.

A representative of the NAACP said the group opposes requiring people who vote by mail to pay their own postage, which was done in the past. They will advise voters to leave postage off because the Commission has to pay the postage anyway. In a later meeting, the commission confirmed it will pay the postage for votes.

Bills that could not be approved last month without a quorum were approved, along with an update on the safety recommendations. Window covers are installed; Heart Technologies will install a badge system, panic buttons, and a parking lot security camera; front counter modifications are out for bid.

Voter registration card mass mailing is complete. Staff is sending a second mailing to those whose polling places have changed.

Petitions are out for the spring election. Political party filings are due between Nov. 27 and Dec. 4.

Peoria City Council

On Oct. 10, Town of City of Peoria Trustees approved a proposed tax levy of $1,338,046.00; and estimated tax rate not to exceed 0.038108 for township. This rate is the same as 2022.
Despite more applications for assistance, Supervisor LaTrina Leary reported staff worked with local agencies and organizations to meet needs of seniors and disabled without reducing services.

City Council highlights:

• Approved Maui Jim, Inc. redevelopment agreement as part of Medina Plains Tax Increment Financing (TIF). Maui Jim has been acquired by Kering Eyewear, a European luxury eyewear company. Fifteen percent of tax revenue will go to Dunlap schools.
• Woodard and Curran representatives offered an initial assessment related to Illinois American Water Company. Morgan Roper, Project Manager, reviewed rate analysis and potential purchase price, as well as debt service, operating expenses, and water rate comparison with other communities. In 2005, appraisal was $220 million; today that would be $345 million. Ms. Roper estimated $2 million to $4 million for due diligence.

On Oct. 17, councilors discussed the 2024-25 Biennial Budget at a special meeting. Staff have built in a projection for recession. The proposed budget is $322.8 million, an increase of 5.8% over current term.

The regular meeting of the council was held on Oct. 24. Highlight was a resolution to approve the purchase of the waterworks. It was rejected 7-4 with Councilors Denis Cyr, Zach Oyler, Kiran Velpula and Mike Vespa in favor of the purchase. Discussion included current and future rates for water service, lead line replacement, cost of due diligence and other financial obligations of the city.

Dunlap School Board

On Oct. 19, Dunlap District 323 School Board President Dr. Abby Humbles read a statement of appreciation to Peoria City Council member Denis Cyr for his support of tax increment financing which provides tax revenue to Dunlap schools from the former Maui Jim expansion.

During public comments, a person in charge of press box at football games said social media comments are unfounded. He assured the board that activities at games are family friendly.

Superintendent Scott Dearman said a committee is being formed to plan construction of a new building for Wilder-Waite Elementary School.

Board members learned $2 million could be moved from retirement and Social Security funds for capital projects such as roof repairs.

Board member training will be coming up soon.

League of Women Voters of Greater Peoria observers attend and report on local government meetings. For more information, check out check out lwvgp.org