Peoria City Council members will consider a series of possible budget adjustments to close a $3 million gap in the city's proposed spending plan for 2026.
During Tuesday’s special council meeting focused on ongoing budget discussions, City Manager Patrick Urich walked through a list of changes that would put expenses and revenues “on a level footing.”
The budget proposal originally presented to the council projected city expenses at $301 million while revenue is estimated at $298 million.
Among the adjustments offered during Tuesday’s discussion were pushing back construction of two major road projects into 2027, cutting $600,000 from the city’s operating agreement with the Greater Peoria Sanitary District, and reducing the annual pension contribution by $2 million.
That also would allow for removing proposed increases to the sewer, storm water and garbage fees collected from residents. The modified plan would balance the 2027 expenses and revenues in the biennial budget proposal.
“What it would mean is, in 2026 we would put back $6,682 into [the general] fund balance, and in 2027 it would put $25,594 back into fund balance. That's if you did all of that. Now, if you take one out, or you take two out, those numbers are going to change,” said Urich. “But it's doable, if that's council's prerogative, to go forward with those as budget recommendations.”
The council's budget discussions are set to continue at regular and special council meetings each Tuesday until a vote on Nov. 4.
