On June 24, the Peoria City Council met virtually and did some internal housekeeping: Kiran K. Velpula, Ph.D., was sworn in as at-large councilor to fill Mayor Rita Ali’s unexpired term. Ali’s reappointments for 28 city commissions were approved. Community…
Author Archive for Terry Bibo
The Watch | Summer in the city
by Terry Bibo • • 0 Comments
On May 25, the Peoria City Council approved borrowing $15 million from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) State Revolving Fund (SRF) at 1.4% interest. A revolving loan over seven years, the loan will be repaid through new sewer rates.…
The Watch | History in Peoria
by Terry Bibo • • 0 Comments
At last, here are a few historic happenings which do not involve global illness … Rita Ali became the first woman and first person of color to serve as Mayor of Peoria when she was sworn in on May 4.…
The Watch | Rock Island Greenway extension
by Terry Bibo • • 0 Comments
The pandemic may be abating here. Fallout continues. Peoria Housing Authority met virtually April 5. Jackie Newman, CEO, reported the revamped PHA offices had a soft opening. Staff will assess needs and adjust restrictions as necessary to comply with COVID-19…
The Watch | Council helps fund new fire station
by Terry Bibo • • 0 Comments
Local governments grapple with Pandemic Year Two . . . alongside their regular business. Peoria City Council started the Jan. 26 meeting wearing their Peoria Township hats by approving township expenses for January and February. A public hearing on the…
The Watch | Thank public workers
by Terry Bibo • • 0 Comments
Neither rain, nor sleet, nor dark of night may stay United States Postal Service couriers from swift completion of their appointed rounds … but COVID-19 puts a cramp in them and everyone else. I can vouch, having gotten the beast.…
Post-COVID-19, public finances are grim — but …
by Terry Bibo • • 0 Comments
Globally, the International Monetary Fund said spending to fight the coronavirus and its financial effects was bursting government budgets. With $11.7 trillion committed by fall, and more needed, cumulative public debt was close to 100% of global gross domestic product…
The Watch | Local taxes in 2021
by Terry Bibo • • 0 Comments
The dreadful 2020 is over. The dreadful pandemic is not. And the dreaded bills keep coming in. On Nov. 10, Peoria City Council members wrestled with some truly appalling numbers. In part, that’s because the 2021 budget anticipated passage of…
The Watch | Election Commission discusses early voting spike
by Terry Bibo • • 0 Comments
God love the people who keep doing their jobs without drama and fanfare, despite the hot mess which has been 2020. And that includes most of our public officials. On Oct. 13, Peoria County Election Commission geared up for the…
The Watch | Election Commission Updates
by Terry Bibo • • 0 Comments
While it seemed November would never come, it has. Your elected officials continue to juggle multiple crises — COVID-19, crazy weather, plummeting revenues — as they anticipate a post-election future. On Sept. 8, Peoria County Election Commission received an update…