The Evanston City Council approved the 2022 city budget Nov. 22 on a 5-4 vote after a monthslong process.
The budget for the upcoming fiscal year amounts to $360,433,520. Since the previous meeting Nov. 8, two changes were made. According to city documents, staff added the position of environmental health inspector to enforce the city leaf blower ordinance. Additionally, some new positions will not be filled until July 2022, creating approximately $450,000 in savings.
The 2022 budget accounts for changes in revenue in the upcoming year. These changes include the implementation of free beaches for Evanston residents, increased funding for crossing guards, eight new staff positions and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding.
In addition to increased revenue sources, there are some increased expenses for the city, including the construction for the Robert Crown Community Center, the water fund, solid waste fund and equipment replacement fund.
The City Council engaged in a lengthy discussion of the budget, including some unsuccessful motions to amend the ordinance.
Ald. Clare Kelly moved to table the vote on the budget ordinance to the special meeting on Dec. 6. The vote resulted in a tie within the council, which Mayor Daniel Biss broke by voting against the measure.
Interim City Manager Kelly Gandurski stressed that the budget should be passed sooner than later to allow staff ample time to submit necessary paperwork to the state of Illinois.
Some council members were disappointed that the budget accounts for some ARPA funding without a further discussion as to how those funds should be used. The special meeting on Dec. 6 is planned for continued ARPA discussion.
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“I and others have been very adamant about having (ARPA funds) discussion holistically in making these bucket allocations,” said Ald. Jonathan Nieuwsma. “I’m disappointed we are dipping into or defining a bucket inadvertently by passing this budget … but not enough to throw the baby out with the bathwater.”
In addition to adopting the 2022 budget ordinance, the City Council also adopted the tax levies for the upcoming fiscal year. These include the city tax levy, general assistance tax levy, library tax levy and four special service areas.
The property tax levy increased by 1.45% over the previous year, but will be offset by decreases in other levies. City staff reminded residents that they will not experience an increase in their taxes.
The budget ordinance will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2022.
Emily Little is a freelance reporter.