The Village of Peoria Heights has unveiled a balanced budget for fiscal year 2023 that anticipates $4.6 million in spending on general operations, while continuing the trend of steadily increasing cash reserves.
The water department budget, meanwhile, foresees $1.26 million in expenditures over the coming year.
The 2023 budget blueprint follows a year in which the Heights is likely to top $5 million in revenues for the first time, a figure nearly 21 percent higher than the board and administration projected a year ago -- and during a pandemic, at that.
“This has been an exceptional year,” said Financial Assistant Stephanie Turner, with sales tax revenues far surpassing expectations, “better than at any time since I’ve been here.
“We’re doing very, very well.”
The police department represents approximately 45 percent of Village spending, administration about 22 percent, streets 14 percent, waste disposal 10 percent, and the fire department nearly 8 percent, with the remainder going to Tower Park.
Overall, budgeted spending for 2023 looks to be up about 12 percent over the current fiscal year, with the biggest increases coming in administration – mostly in marketing and economic development -- police and fire protection. That said, a significant portion of the increase is being offset by grants and by intergovernmental agreements, so it is not falling entirely on local taxpayers.
On the public safety side of the ledger, the Village now has a paid fire chief – one who also has been quite successful in acquiring outside grants -- and is making a one-time contribution to the police pension fund of about $315,000.
Finally, the Village is dipping its toe into a capital budget with a sidewalk maintenance program, though some very significant infrastructure investments are looming, regarding the water system in particular.
The Village also has made some progress in cutting costs, specifically by refinancing some long-term debt.
The Village Board will finalize and vote on the 2023 budget in April. The fiscal year begins May 1.
In other developments:
The Village Board recently approved bonuses of up to 2 percent based on evaluations for six non-union employees – totaling just over $6,000 -- with Fire Chief Donovan Thompson donating his bonus to travel expenses and training for his volunteer firefighters.
Trustee Matt Wigginton praised Thompson, calling his decision “a testament to your character and your belief in the fire department and the people you command. I’m very much impressed.”
The Board also renewed Thompson’s contract as fire chief for another year, noting dramatic improvements in recruitment and training.
“Since we hired Chief Thompson, I’ve been very pleased with his body of work,” said Village Administrator Dustin Sutton. “The whole culture has changed. It’s something I haven’t seen in the 28 years I’ve been here.”
The Board appointed Bill O’Neill to fill a vacancy on the Zoning Board of Appeals. He succeeds Janie Backs.
The Board approved the use of Tower Park for multiple events in the coming months. Friday Night Heights is back for a second year with drink, food and entertainment on first Fridays starting in May and running through October. The Lupus Walk/5K Run will be on Saturday, May 21. Bike MS will host its annual event there on Saturday, May 28. The Cystic Fibrosis Great Strides Walk will use the park on Sunday, Oct. 22. The River Valley Big Band Concert series will take place on the third Friday of June, July and August.
