Pekin's proposed $8 million property tax levy for 2026 is slightly more than 20% higher than the previous year's levy of almost $6.7 million.
Because the levy, which includes the Pekin Public Library, exceeds the 5% threshold established by state law, the city is required to hold a public hearing before the levy is approved.
Mayor Mary Burress and council members said this week they welcome the public's input.
"People say they want more transparency, and that's exactly what we're trying to do," Burress said.
The truth in taxation public hearing has been scheduled for Nov. 23, during a regularly scheduled city council meeting.
City officials say if the proposed levy is approved, it would add less than 3% to a property owner's total tax bill in 2027, or about an average of $108.
For 2025, the city accounted for slightly more than 11% of a property owner's tax bill.
If the proposed levy is passed, it would provide an additional $1.3 million for the general fund. Combined with cuts proposed by staff, that would result in a nearly balanced general fund.
The vote this week to schedule the public hearing was 6-1, with Rick Hilst casting the lone opposition vote.
TIF grants approved
The council approved five tax increment financing [TIF] building improvement grants, with each containing a not-to-exceed amount and stipulations for payment.
The grants went to:
- Nash-Hasty Private Wealth Management, 531 Court St., $47,500.
- Ewe's Treasures Resale Shop, 901 Court St., $35,000.
- DCTA Properties for a vacant, dilapidated home at 110 Edds St., $25,000.
- Sculptures Inc., 2810 Court St., $21,000.
- Jac's Doghouse, 2024 Broadway St., $15,000.
Council member Jake Fletcher credited Economic Development Director Josh Wray for his work on these grants.
"We're getting better at writing these agreements to have taxpayers in mind. We'll be getting some money back if there are issues," said Fletcher. "I want to assure the public that each one of these agreements has a claw back for taxpayers."
Audit journey nears end
Another overdue annual city audit has been completed by Naperville-based Lauterbach & Amen and approved by the council.
With the 2024-25 fiscal year audit in the books, work has started on the 2025-26 fiscal year audit that is due early next year.
"I'm so proud of this city. We're finally to a point where we can say we're caught up with audits," Burress said. "In 3 1/2 short years, we've done six audits and started work on a seventh. That's unheard of and amazing."
Pekin finance director Eric Dubrowski, who has led efforts to catch up on past audits since joining the city staff in 2024, has submitted his resignation. He's taken another job and will leave the city next month.
"We'll miss you," said council member Peg Phillips.
Bob Grogan, who was elected chair of the Illinois Republican Party in May, has returned as the city's finance consultant. He attended this week's council meeting.
Court project 'beautifully done'
The Court Street road project is nearly done.
"Give us a couple more months or so," Burress said. "It's been a long project, but it's been beautifully done the right way from the sewers on up."
New church in Pekin
Also this week, the council:
- Approved a special use request from the Pentacostals of Peoria to establish a church and religious ministry, including a small private Christian school, at 1717 Highwood Ave. Pentacostals of Peoria has a purchase agreement with First Presbyterian Church of Pekin, the current property owner, that's contingent upon receiving the necessary municipal approvals.
- Approved an on-street accessible parking space in front of 523 Caroline St. The building owner plans to build a parking lot that will have an accessible parking space. At that point, the accessible space on the street will no longer be needed.
- Approved a nearly $18,400 payment to Altofer of East Peoria for repairs to a backhoe at the wastewater treatment plant. The city's procurement policy requiring at least two quotes for this work was not followed. Those responsible have completed re-training on the policy.
- Approved a $1.1 million loan from First Pekin Savings Bank to purchase three trucks from St. Louis-based Key Equipment & Supply for the solid waste department. The trucks will replace three trucks the city is leasing. First Pekin offered the lowest loan terms among three bidders, a 5% rate for five years. There's no penalty for early payment. The trucks are expected to be delivered next spring or summer.
- Approved spending nearly $28,700 for a package offered by Vernon Hills-based CDWG to renew the city's Adobe software licenses.
- Approved the annual renewal of the city's workers' compensation and general liability insurance coverage through the Illinois Municipal League Risk Management Association for about $1.2 million. The city received a prorated refund of about $30,600 for the 2026 coverage year because of its elimination of the school bus department.
