Peoria Heights has set a budget for the upcoming fiscal year with a six-figure surplus.
The village board unanimously approved the 2026-27 spending plan during its regular meeting Tuesday, with anticipated total revenue of $6.2 million and expenses projected at $6 million.
Trustee Brandon Wisenburg credited Village Administrator Dustin Sutton and his staff for easing the burden on taxpayers while still affording vital programs, services and operations.
“Each year we’ve ran pretty healthy surpluses. We've put money back for the sidewalk program, we reduce taxes, we reduce property taxes. That does not happen in a vacuum,” said Wisenburg. “That’s their efforts that have led to year after year increases, year after year property tax decreases.
“You don't see that in local government. I think this is the only government I know of that puts effort into reducing the cost for the citizens. I have never heard of it happening anywhere but here.”
The village will get about $4.9 million in revenue from various tax sources, with $1.36 million of that coming from its home-rule sales tax. The village’s top two expenses are for police [$2.77 million] and fire protection [$1.17 million].
At the request of Fire Chief Austin Szentez, the trustees agreed to set aside $75,000 as a capital investment aimed at funding future replacement of department vehicles.
Mayor Matt Wigginton also commended the staff for its work in maintaining the village’s strong financial position.
“We were able to address the needs of our community, and do that lowering, year over year, our levy, our personal property taxes, and eliminating unnecessary taxes along the way – and still showing growth,” said Wigginton.
“This budget speaks volumes of just good local management, and hopefully it is an example to other communities and other boards as well.”
The city's new budget year begins May 1.
