Champaign council approves health plan, pay increases, JAG grant and several contracts

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The Champaign City Council on Jan. 21 approved a package of administrative and procurement measures including a new employee health plan with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, an ordinance raising elected officials’ pay, acceptance of a federal Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG), and several city contracts and purchases.

The council voted unanimously on all items. Among the largest single line items were a $1,000,200 contract to acquire two properties needed for the Boneyard Creek improvements project and an $86,228 award from the U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Assistance to be shared with Urbana and Champaign County.

Why it matters: The actions fund near-term operations (insurance, vehicle purchases, HVAC work), advance a multi‑jurisdictional public safety planning effort using JAG funds, and secure property needed for a flood‑control/stream‑improvement project. The council also approved a future increase in mayoral and council compensation, a routinely politically sensitive local decision.

The council first took public comment at a hearing on the proposed JAG grant, which the city described as providing $86,228 to be split among the City of Champaign, the City of Urbana and Champaign County under Illinois allocation specifications. City staff said Champaign’s portion is approximately $65,000 and that the city plans to use its share for a police staffing study and a strategic planning effort for the department.

On the health plan, City Manager Tim Drury told the council staff had reviewed provider networks. “The short answer is yes,” Drury said when asked whether the Blue Cross Blue Shield plan covers local Carle providers. “As of January 1, 2025, there are no excluded providers from the Carle contract,” he added.

Votes at a glance

- Council Bill 2025-005-6 (Resolution) — Approve agreement with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois for employee health insurance and continuation of a $200 monthly waiver incentive for employees who show proof of other qualifying coverage. Motion made and seconded; roll call 7–0, passed.

- Council Bill 2025-007 (Ordinance) — Amend Champaign Municipal Code §2‑25 to increase mayoral compensation from $35,000 to $45,000 and council member compensation from $5,000 to $7,000, effective May 2027. Motion made and seconded; roll call 7–0, passed.

- Council Bills 2025-008 (Resolution) and 2025-009 (Ordinance, budget amendment) — Accept 2024 Edward Byrne JAG grant ($86,228) and amend FY24‑25 general fund budget by $86,228 to reflect anticipated grant revenue and expenditures. Motion to consolidate and vote; roll call 7–0, passed. City staff said no local match is required and Champaign’s share is about $65,000 for a police staffing study and strategic plan.

- Council Bill 2025-010 (Resolution) — Authorize Change Order No. 1 (Phase 2) with Mechanical Inc. d/b/a Home Service for Public Works HVAC replacement, $61,829.71. Motion made and seconded; roll call 7–0, passed.

- Council Bill 2025-011 (Resolution) — Authorize acquisition of 202 and 206 East University Avenue and execute contract with Brighton Global Inc. in the amount of $1,000,200; approve up to $50,000 in closing costs; total project budgeted at $1,250,000. Motion made and seconded; roll call 7–0, passed.

- Council Bill 2025-012 (Resolution) — Accept bid from Bob Ridings Inc. (Taylorville, Ill.) for purchase of three 2025 Ford Escape hybrid sport utility vehicles, total $99,255. Motion made and seconded; roll call 7–0, passed.

Other routine business included placing correspondence on file, approval of vendor payments ($1,498,378.84) and payroll (01/03/2025 payroll $2,543,968.64), and a motion to add a post‑council closed session to discuss pending litigation. All were approved by voice or roll call.

What was not decided: Council did not vote on any divestment or ceasefire resolutions during this meeting; those topics were addressed in the public comment period but received no formal council action on Jan. 21.

Background/contract details: The Boneyard Creek property acquisition and budget amounts were presented as necessary to continue the Boneyard improvements project. The HVAC change order, vehicle purchase and other procurements were described by staff as routine capital and maintenance needs and were approved without recorded dissent.

Next steps: The council recessed into a closed session after passing the motions and adjourned following the closed session.