This has been a challenging year — and 2026 appears likely to continue the trend.

For example: Dunlap school officials must face a possible $3 million budget shortfall. And the City of Peoria would rather not increase fees.

Congratulations to local governments which keep doing their jobs.

Peoria City Council

On Sept. 23, dates were set for special meetings regarding the 2026-2027 biennial budget and estimated tax levy.

A public hearing was held on proposed Glen Hollow Business District. Two audience members voiced concerns about a 1% tax added to purchases. Mayor Rita Ali closed that hearing at 7:17 p.m.

The consent agenda passed with two items pulled for discussion. Council member Andre Allen spoke to item 25-260, pointing out Northwoods Mall tax increment financing as a tool to grow the shopping center business with $140 million private investment. Item passed. Councilwoman Denise Jackson moved to defer item 25-262 for one month for due diligence.

Peoria Civic Center Manager Rik Edgar presented the 2025 Annual Report and 2026 Annual Budget. He reported more than $8 million in adjusted gross revenue — a record — two major arena sponsors, and naming rights of theatre with Prairie Home Alliance.  Online ticket sales pushed the Civic Center to 12th highest market in managing company with 65.9 % attendance from outside the Tri-County area.

However, revenue is expected to decrease next year because of ice plant replacement and arena unavailability for 100-121 days.

Council approved purchasing real estate at Sheriff’s auction at 1601 Northmoor Rd. (Expo Gardens) for future home development. Councilpersons Denis Cyr and Alex Carmona voted nay. Ali said the purchase will be funded with a grant allocated through the state for land banks.

Finance Manager Kyle Cratty gave an overview of 2026-2027 biennial budget and timeline.

On Oct. 7 Councilors held a special biennial budget meeting, which Ali opened with a public hearing.

Resident Eric Hutchison discussed concerns about adequate lighting in center bluff neighborhood, especially along Knoxville from Corrington to Hanssler Blvd. and asked for support for public safety along this area.

After discussion, the public meeting was closed.

Cratty presented several reports back to council from the Sept. 30 meeting. Items discussed included four areas of development in downtown, pavement preservation, expense allotted for funding for Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant sidewalks in ZIP code 61605 area and monitoring 2023 Civic Center bond options to refinance at a lower rate.

Fire Chief Shawn Sollberger presented information on revenue generated by Peoria Fire Department: Its training tower is provided to fire departments throughout the state. Non-residents of Peoria are billed for services provided in accidents. PFD received a Safer Grant which will help decrease overtime and enable hiring of 11 firefighters.

City Manager Patrick Urich discussed additional state funding possibly available over the next five years.

In September, the proposed budget included raising stormwater, sewer, and garbage fees for residents. The budget had approximately $301 million in expenditures and $289 million in revenue for city. Cyr worked with city staff on a plan to keep fees unchanged. The council deferred voting to allow time to review the proposed plan, including pension obligations and planned improvements, such as Wisconsin Avenue project.

Peoria County Board

The Peoria County Board met Oct. 9 with five members absent: Jennifer Groves Allison, Brandy Bryant, Brian Elsasser, Danny Phelan and Paul Rosenbohm.

The board had a very light agenda. One zoning case in Rosefield Township and a tax certificate were approved unanimously during regular business.

Highlights of the consent agenda — also approved unanimously — include:

• Fiscal year 2026 (FY26) Juvenile Justice Council and Juvenile Redeploy grants.
• FY26 Organized Retail Crime Grant.
• Employer and employee health insurance premiums and subsidies for calendar 2026.
• Contracts for jail kitchen improvements, highway department fleet garage boiler replacement, and stairway repairs at the Hamilton Square parking deck.

Proclamations recognized recent Citizens Leadership Academy graduates, Sherman’s 50th anniversary, Northwoods Community Church’s 35th, October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Kartville as a unique county business.

County staff and members Allison and Rob Reneau were acknowledged for efforts on the Bicentennial and Block Party celebration.

Dunlap District 323

Seven members were present at the regular school board meeting on Oct. 15.

A public hearing about issuing no more than $44 million of funding bonds was opened and closed at 6:14 p.m. The resolution was unanimously approved.

Dr. Scott Adreon, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services, said the goal in constructing Wilder Waite School was to complete the shell of the building before winter. Two-thirds of new parking lot is completed.

Superintendent Scott Dearman reported that seven new Freedom of Information Act requests and two former ones were completed. He announced Nolan Eccles won the Class 2A state golf championship. The board presented a representative of the Dunlap Fire Department with The Community Partnership Award.

The 2026-27 calendar was presented as an information item.

At the September board meeting, Dearman had presented an overall analysis of the district’s financial situation. Projections show future expenditures will be more than revenue.

This October meeting included considerable discussion about the approach to this financial gap. Board President Tom Feldman said he has been studying the matter in depth and suggested that the board and community may not have the appetite to tackle the problem at this time.

Board member Theresa Holshouser expressed the need to tackle the projected $3 million deficit immediately, as well as possible changes to programs. She emphasized that the district needs to be financially sound. Other members’ comments included the need to look at all options specifically. One member praised the district for the excellent educational opportunities it has always had for the students. No decision was made, but each member was asked for input.

The board approved investment report, bank statements, and the treasurer’s report of payment of bills of $4,987,736.06.

The meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.

LWVGP observers attend and report on local government meetings. For more information, check out  lwvgp.org