Peoria City Council approves $1.19 billion budget emphasizing public safety and economic development

The Peoria City Council meeting on May 13, 2025, focused on the approval of the fiscal year 2026 tentative budget, which totals $1.192 billion. A significant portion of the budget continues to emphasize public safety, with 21 positions allocated to police and fire medical services. Over the past two years, the city has added approximately 80 positions, with 52 specifically in public safety roles.

During the meeting, the council discussed reallocating funds to support the Veterans Day celebration, transitioning it from a one-time request to an ongoing budget item. This change was made possible by identifying savings from the All American Festival budget. The council also ensured that $40,000 would remain available for arts, culture, and library programs.

City Manager Henry Darwin highlighted a partnership with Grand Canyon University that launched an Entrepreneur Training Program, which recently concluded with a Demo Day where local businesses pitched their ideas. Nikki Ortega, owner of Spicy Sassy Dulces, won the People's Choice in Innovation Award, receiving $4,000 to support her vegan and gluten-free food business.

Darwin also reported on the successful passage of House Bill 2387, which aims to protect residents from scams involving Bitcoin kiosks. The Peoria Police Department played a crucial role in drafting and advocating for this legislation, which addresses the exploitation of vulnerable citizens, particularly seniors.

Additionally, the police department has initiated a pilot program utilizing civilian investigators to assist in solving crimes, allowing sworn officers to focus on more urgent situations. A recent success story involved a civilian investigator linking firearms found in Peoria to a violent crime investigation.

The meeting concluded with a call to the public, where residents expressed concerns about transparency and governance, particularly regarding the Amcor project and budgetary issues. One resident shared a poignant story about a veteran who received assistance from city services in his final days, highlighting the city's commitment to its residents.

Overall, the meeting underscored Peoria's ongoing commitment to public safety, community support, and economic development, while also addressing resident concerns about governance and transparency.