Peoria City Council Observer Report

​The Nov 27 meeting continued the budget discussion. Of particular note, Councilman Montelongo had asked to look at specific parts of both expenses and revenue. Specifically, they looked at eight expenses that support other agencies: Springdale, Animal Control, Convention and Visitors Bureau, Civic Center, Debt Service, Downtown Development Comm, Peoria Area Economic Development Council, and Minority Employment Action Team. Representatives of most of those agencies answered questions from Council and presented their work. None were cut, but it was interesting to look at other areas besides cutting Public Safety.
Revenue items:

• Montelongo wanted discussed: the AMT franchise agreement and a 10% fee on all revenues. Apparently the AMT franchise is paid yearly to the city for dispatch services (almost $100,000 and includes a small annual escalation.) Interesting that former County Board Member Steve Morris represented AMT rather than Andrew Rand, who was sitting near Mr. Morris.  Mr. Morris was very strong in his defense of the contract since the contract continues for 6-7 more years. And, the city apparently has to give 5 years notice of intent to not renew the contract.
• There was also discussion of Roger Goodsen’s suggestion, in October, of adding a franchise fee from IL American Water. Mr. Urich pointed out that IL American wouldn’t pay that money out of profits, but would add the cost to our water bills.
• Councilwoman Jensen asked about a Not-for-Profit Public Safety Fee which has been implemented recently in other communities and is being considered in others. The idea being that some large NFP businesses use quite a bit of Public Safety services, but pay no real estate taxes which are a main funding source for Public Safety. Mr. Urich indicated that those are voluntary payments, not required. Much discussion, but the fee generated would not create much revenue according to Urich.
• The proposed Public Safety Pension Fee may be tweeked some more and had three “no” votes (Jensen, Oyler, and Ruckriegal.) The proposed additional tax on package liquor had two “no” votes (Moore and Ruckriegal.)

Councilwoman Akeson’s amendment to the council’s Conflict of Interest rule passed unanimously. I would have objected since it refers to two very confusing state statutes, but part of the ordinance includes publication in pamphlet form. I don’t know how that will really become understandable in a pamphlet. We will see.
Another special meeting Tuesday for the budget.                 Cheryl Budzinski, Observer