Peoria County accepted an increased Strong Communities Program (SCP) grant from the Illinois Housing Development Authority but postponed the related budget appropriation to its next meeting.

The board first moved to divide the resolution into two parts so members could accept the grant increase tonight while reserving the budget appropriation for a later meeting, because a supermajority is required to appropriate funds. A subsidiary motion to divide the question passed (voice vote recorded as 13 ayes). The board then voted to accept the grant increase; that motion passed by voice vote, 13 ayes.

Board members credited the county zoning office for producing results that helped secure additional SCP funding. "The reason this grant increase was made was the relative success of our zoning office to accomplish what the original grant set out to do," Board member Terry said, and he congratulated zoning staff. Another board member added that the increase will fund the demolition of three additional houses.

A motion to postpone the budget appropriation to the next meeting also passed by voice vote, 13 ayes, so formal appropriation will be considered when the board can meet the supermajority threshold.

Ending: County staff said they will assist with any language and follow up on the appropriation at the next meeting; no appropriation or spending occurred at this meeting.