City Council

PROCEEDINGS OF THE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN BUDGET WORK SESSION SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PEKIN, ILLINOIS, HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF CITY HALL 111 S. CAPITOL ST ON THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2026 AT 1:00 PM MAYOR MARY J. BURRESS PRESIDING Pledge of Allegiance The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Mary Burress. Call to Order City Clerk, Ms. Nicole Stewart, confirmed all Council Members were physically present except Council Member Phillips who was absent. Mayor Burress declared a quorum and opened the meeting at 1:00 PM. Attendee Name Organization Title Status Arrived Rick Hilst City of Pekin Council Member Present 5:30 PM Karen Hohimer City of Pekin Mayor Pro Tem Present 5:30 PM Dave Nutter City of Pekin Council Member Present 5:30 PM Mary Burress City of Pekin Mayor Present 5:30 PM Jimmie Fletcher, City of Pekin Council Member Present 5:30 PM Jr. John P Abel City of Pekin Council Member Present 5:30 PM Peg Phillips City of Pekin Council Member Absent --:-- PM Approve Agenda RESULT: PASSED (UNANIMOUS) MOVER: Council Member Jimmie Fletcher SECONDER: Mayor Pro Tem Karen Hohimer AYES: 1st Alternate Mayor Pro Tem Abel, Mayor Burress, Council Member Nutter, Council Member Hilst, Mayor Pro Tem Hohimer, Council Member Fletcher ABSENT: Council Member Peg Phillips Public Input No public input was received. Executive Session 5 ILCS 120/2 (c)(11) Litigation, when the public body finds that an action is probable or imminent, in which case the basis for the finding shall be recorded and entered into the minutes of the closed session A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Hohimer seconded by Council Member Abel to move into Executive Session to discuss 5 ILCS 120/2 (11) Litigation, when the public body finds that an action is probable or imminent, in which case the basis for the finding shall be recorded and entered into the minutes of the closed session at 1:04 PM. On roll call vote all present voted Aye. Motion Carried. Mayor Burress announced that the budget discussion would follow Executive Session. RESULT: PASSED (UNANIMOUS) MOVER: Mayor Pro Tem Karen Hohimer SECONDER: 1st Alternate Mayor Pro Tem John Abel AYES: 1st Alternate Mayor Pro Tem Abel, Mayor Burress, Council Member Nutter, Council Member Hilst, Mayor Pro Tem Hohimer, Council Member Fletcher ABSENT: Council Member Peg Phillips Presentations, Communications, Petitions, and Reports 6.1. Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Finance Director Eric Dubrowski presented the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget, providing a recap of the proposed budget and noting that the General Fund deficit is largely attributable to the Lutticken payment, with adjustments including reallocating vehicle maintenance salaries to primary departments, reduced tourism sponsorships, and a one-time transfer that will not recur next year. He further explained bus department closeout costs, a $1.1 million transfer reflected as an expenditure, and inclusion of a $100,000 contingency, while Mr. Dossey clarified that Council approval would be required to utilize contingency funds. Council Member Nutter, Council Member Hilst, and Council Member Abel discussed deficit balancing, budget transfers, personnel increases, fuel savings, and equipment replacement planning, while Mr. Wray provided clarification on tourism funding and emergency allocations. Overall discussion also addressed wage adjustments and salary allocations. Mayor Burress expressed appreciation for staff efforts and support for the work completed on the budget. Adjourn There being no further business to come to the Council a motion was made by Council Member Nutter seconded by Council Member Abel to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried viva voce vote. Mayor Burress adjourned the meeting at 3:01 PM.