Princeton council advances fiscal 2025–26 budget to second reading, approves contracts and schedules executive session

The Princeton City Council advanced its proposed fiscal-year budget to a second reading, voted to approve multiple low‑bid contracts and a three‑year farm lease, and heard staff notices about city water‑main flushing and an April cemetery tree‑planting event.

City Manager Teresa Wood presented the budget draft during the council’s first reading of ordinance O-25-009, saying general‑fund revenues were “about 8,700,000” and general‑fund expenditures “about 8,500,000,” and that total budget revenues were “about 28,800,000.” She told the council the document is a working draft and will receive a second reading before final adoption. “I give a lot of kudos to the department heads when we go through this planning process,” Teresa Wood said.

Why it matters: the budget sets the city’s revenue and spending targets for the fiscal year beginning May 1 and frames department hiring, equipment, and capital projects. The council advanced the ordinance to a second reading rather than adopt it on first reading.

Council actions and votes at a glance - Minutes, regular meeting (03/17/2025): approved (roll call: Newman — aye; Gomez — aye; McCall — aye; McCranskey — aye; Mayor Raymond Mabry — aye). Outcome: approved. - Minutes, special/budget meeting (03/17/2025): approved (same roll call pattern). Outcome: approved. - Invoices (total reported by clerk: $831,534.13 across listed departments): approved (roll call: Newman — aye; Gomez — aye; McCall — aye; McCranskey — aye; Mayor Mabry — aye). Outcome: approved. - Ordinance O-25-009 (fiscal budget ordinance, first reading): advanced to second reading (motion and second; roll called; council voted to advance). Outcome: advanced to second reading. - Ordinance O-25-010 (revising solar credit to 0.0388 per kWh, first reading): advanced to second reading (motion and second). Utility representative Jeff Mainbridge explained the figure is the annual update of the credit paid to customers for excess solar generation: “It’s that simple.” Outcome: advanced to second reading. - Resolution R-25-009 (award low bid for mowing city properties, 2025–26): approved (roll call: Newman — aye; Gomez — aye; McCall — aye; McCranskey — aye; Mayor Mabry — aye). Outcome: approved; lowest bidder accepted (contract details not specified in the meeting record). - Resolution R-25-010 (authorize three‑year farm lease with John Stanley for certain city agricultural parcels): approved (motion and second). Council discussion noted the winning bid as spoken in the meeting: “Mr. Stanley was a high bidder at $325 an acre for the first year, 3 35 in the second year, and $3.45 in the third year.” Outcome: approved. - Resolution R-25-011 (award contract to low bidder for resurfacing police department vehicle bay flooring): approved (roll call: Newman — aye; Gomez — aye; McCall — aye; McCranskey — aye; Mayor Mabry — aye). Outcome: approved.

Other discussion, notices and community items - Water main flushing: the Princeton Water Department will begin semiannual hydrant flushing on Monday, April 14. Staff warned customers they may notice stronger chlorine odor, cloudy or discolored water and brief low pressure during flushing and advised letting water sit in a refrigerated pitcher if the odor is objectionable. - Burning season and brush pit: city staff reminded residents that permitted open burning runs April 1–May 1 and again in October–November with daily time limits and weekday restrictions. The city will operate an air‑curtain incinerator at the brush pit three times per month as needed; the city will post public notices and use Facebook for updates. - Maine and Peru intersection: staff reported the Illinois Department of Transportation has begun testing and work may continue into July; the project is controlled by IDOT, not the city. - Cemetery tree planting: members of the city tree board announced an Oakland Cemetery “plantathon” set for April 19 from 9 a.m. to noon to plant about 100 trees; the city will assist with follow‑up watering and the event will be staffed by professionals and volunteers. Tree‑board member Dennis Taylor detailed plans and volunteer involvement. - Personnel and community recognition: Police Chief Tom Camber offered a tribute to retired officer Kerry Bailey, a 30‑year department veteran and U.S. Navy veteran; Chief Camber said Bailey’s family asked memorials be directed to the Alzheimer’s Foundation. The council also welcomed full‑time firefighter/EMT Anthony Machuchuk, sworn in before the meeting. - Proclamations: the council recognized the 20th anniversary of the Flags of Freedom display and received a resolution from the Illinois House. The council also adopted a Fair Housing Month proclamation tied to the federal Fair Housing Act.

Public comment and next steps Resident Gerald Neal Woodley spoke during public comment about local fireworks funding and urged a donation model; Woodley said, “my money is where my mouth is and I’m giving a thousand dollars” toward fireworks. The council announced it would move into executive session to discuss collective‑bargaining negotiations and purchase or lease of real property and said no further action will be taken in open session tonight. The council set its next regular meeting for Monday, April 21, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall.

Ending note: Several items — the budget ordinance and the solar credit ordinance — were advanced for a second reading; final adoption, contract signings, and implementation steps will appear on future council agendas.