Jacksonville council adopts 2025 budget, approves East Park Garden lease and cuts three liquor licenses; approves loans, liens and equipment purchases

The Jacksonville City Council on an evening vote approved the city's 2025 operating budget and a package of routine and policy items, including a three‑year lease with the Jacksonville Park Foundation for East Park Garden and an ordinance reducing the number of city liquor licenses by three.

The council adopted the 2025 operating budget after a roll call in which Alderman Hannon cast the lone no vote; Aldermen Henry, Lockman, Oldenetto, Reuben DeSellis, Scott and Watts voted yes. Alderman Watts introduced the budget motion and said, "We have 1 item tonight, and it's a resolution approving the 2025 operating budget for the City Of Jacksonville. And I so move." The council did not discuss the budget on the record before the vote.

The council also completed the second reading and passage of an amendment to Jacksonville Municipal Code Chapter 3 (alcoholic beverages) to reduce the total number of liquor licenses by three. Alderman Scott moved the ordinance; the motion passed on roll call with all voting members recorded as yes.

City Attorney Beard presented two items, including a resolution authorizing a lease with the Jacksonville Park Foundation for the East Park Garden. Beard said the lease is for a three‑year term: "For 3, basically. 3. 3. So it runs from March '25 through December '27." Alderman Scott moved the lease resolution and Alderman Henry seconded; the council approved the lease by roll call, with all recorded members voting yes.

Under the consent agenda the council approved the city treasurer's report for Jan. 31, 2025, and a resolution approving a loan for Marks Commercial Properties / Marks Trust (amount not specified in the meeting record). Planning and Public Works presented a resolution authorizing assignment of liens on properties at 808 South Main Street and 1016 North Clay Avenue to the 2 Rivers Land Bank; that item was included in the consent package and approved on a roll call with all recorded members voting yes.

The council also approved three utility‑related procurement actions under a waiver of formal advertisement: acceptance of a proposal from Prestige Business Equipment to purchase a folder inserter machine; acceptance of a proposal from Midwest Meter for a replacement SE gateway transceiver; and acceptance of a proposal from Electrical Electric Controls Company for a thermostat control panel for the building at Naples. Those waivers were moved by Alderman Watts, seconded by Alderman Lockman, and approved as part of the consent agenda; amounts and further contract details were not specified during the meeting.

During new business a resident identified as Adam made an informal comment mentioning cameras and upgrading restrooms; no formal motion or action followed. With no further business, the council adjourned.

Votes at a glance

- 2025 operating budget — Approved (roll call: Hannon: no; Henry, Lockman, Oldenetto, Reuben DeSellis, Scott, Watts: yes). - Ordinance amending Jacksonville Municipal Code Chapter 3 (alcoholic beverages) to reduce liquor licenses by three — Approved (roll call: unanimous among recorded members). - Resolution authorizing lease with Jacksonville Park Foundation for East Park Garden (March 2025'Dec. 2027) — Approved (moved by Alderman Scott; second by Alderman Henry; roll call: unanimous among recorded members). - Consent agenda (treasurer's report for 01/31/2025; loan approving Marks Commercial Properties / Marks Trust; assignment of liens to 2 Rivers Land Bank for 808 S. Main St. and 1016 N. Clay Ave.; procurement waivers for equipment purchases) — Approved (roll call: unanimous among recorded members).