Peoria County's proposed $133 million 2020 budget makes a full payment to employee pensions without raising property taxes.
That's according to county administrator Scott Sorrel. He said new revenue from cannabis, online sales taxes and increased motor fuel taxes may help the county's bottom line, but they're also planning for pension costs, upcoming collective bargaining with 10 employee unions, and increasing health insurance costs.
"I think for us, it's a status quo budget. It's not expansive growth," said Sorrel.
Sorrel said this is a year to step back and reassess priorities. He said while the county is in a good place now, leaders must explore paths to remain financially solvent in the years to come.
That means some needed projects like a new Health Department building on Sheridan Road will be delayed by at least a year.
The budget proposal holds the line on property taxes and fully pays the county's pension obligations for this year. The county board will vote on the budget on December 18.
Click here to see the full 2020 Peoria County budget proposal.
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