During the Oct. 14 meeting of the Peoria City Council, Finance Director/Comptroller Kyle Cratty reviewed the August financial report, which was received and filed. Cash-based revenues continue to be strong and remain on target. Revenues are down year-to-date, and reduced from 2024, due to American Rescue Plan Act expenditures.

City Manager Patrick Urich led Councilors through multiple report backs before addressing 2026-27 budget motions. Among the revisions: a motion to increase fees for sewer, garbage and stormwater for 2026 and 2027 was withdrawn; some 2026-2027 road projects were moved to 2027; police and fire pension contributions were reduced by $2 million in 2027; the $2 million Land Bank Grant was included; Real Estate Transfer Tax revenues were increased $250,000 in 2026 and 2027, and building permit revenues by $100,000.

On Oct. 28, Public Works Deputy Director Sie Maroon discussed the 2025-26 snow plan. Snow routes have been increased from 21 to 23, as well as four hill routes and eight tandem overnight routes. Maroon reported the 10-year agreement between Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the city for plowing roadways has ended. IDOT will work with city on shared roads within the city limits. IDOT will plow those lanes, and city will plow parking and bike lanes. IDOT is also responsible for plowing IDOT-owned roads.

Councilors accepted a grant for $2 million from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to construct the new Salvation Army men’s shelter, and amended the budget to recognize that funding.

— League of Women Voters of Greater Peoria observers attend and report on local government meetings. Check www.lwvgp.org/news