In a budget hearing earlier this week, the Peoria Mayor and City Council split 5-4 on a vote to approve the proposed budget for the city’s 10-year Capital Improvement Plan.
The split vote centered largely around parks and funding for an airport. Opponents objected to the plan’s lack of constituent support and the fact that nearly 40% of the $1.1B CIP is budgeted in Year One, with 70% planned in years One through Four.
One particular point of contention was Phase II of Paloma Park. Economic conditions have necessitated the reallocation of funds for the project, and no additional long-term funding is planned. The currently proposed Parks and Recreation allocation is $33M, down from $192M in last year’s CIP.
Inflation and other factors have driven the Phase II project costs up to $36M from an initially estimated $22M. (Source)