The Peoria County Highway Department is still reeling from last winter’s severe weather. The needed overtime costs coupled with rising prices for salt and other items are driving a projected $1 million deficit by the end of the year. Amy Mclaren is Peoria County’s Engineer. She says that could force the county to draw from other revenue sources to help fill the spending gap:
“If nothing is changed to increase our revenue stream, then we would be looking to use the county motor fuel tax for those additional salary and operational needs, which would leave less funding available for construction-type projects.”
Mclaren says the Highway Department is taxing below its maximum property tax rate for one of its funds. She says an increase would help generate the needed revenue to maintain service levels and keep a healthy reserve fund. That’s a decision Peoria County Board members would eventually have to take up. But there have been no formal discussions.