The Peoria County Finance Audit and Legislative Affairs Committee convened on September 23, 2025, to discuss key budgetary matters and resolutions impacting the county's financial planning. The meeting began with an acknowledgment of the hard work put into preparing the budget for review by the county board, emphasizing the importance of timely communication and transparency.

A significant portion of the discussion centered around the timeline for the recommended budget's distribution. Administrator Sarah provided clarity on the process, stating that the recommended budget would first be sent to board members before being posted online. This allows board members to review the budget and engage in discussions with department heads regarding any changes prior to finalization.

The committee also reviewed the timeline for amendments to the budget. Each committee has the authority to propose amendments, which will then be considered in a joint meeting with the executive committee. The final recommended budget will emerge from this collaborative process. Board members wishing to propose amendments during the official board meeting must submit their requests by 5:00 PM on the Monday preceding the meeting.

In response to a request for a digital copy of the budget book, it was confirmed that the budget would be available in both electronic and PDF formats, with hard copies also provided for those who prefer them.

The meeting proceeded to address a resolution for an additional appropriation of $800,000 into the fiscal year 2025 budget for the township motor fuel tax fund. This resolution, which had previously passed unanimously through the infrastructure committee, was introduced to accommodate unexpected project demands from road commissioners. The county highway department oversees this fund, and the additional appropriation will be drawn from the fund balance, ensuring that the necessary projects can proceed without financial hindrance.

After a brief discussion, the committee voted on the resolution, which passed successfully, allowing for the additional funding to be allocated as needed.

The meeting concluded with a transition to further discussions, indicating ongoing financial planning efforts within Peoria County. Overall, the session highlighted the committee's commitment to fiscal responsibility and collaboration among various departments to meet the county's infrastructure needs.