Zion council approves FY2025 budget, adds $32,000 in grant revenue

The Zion City Council approved the city’s budgets for the fiscal year running May 1, 2024–April 30, 2025 at its Oct. 15 meeting, and the council amended the motion to reflect an additional roughly $32,000 in grant revenue.

A city director presented the proposed budget, saying it includes most funds except the motor fuel tax and the street-and-bridge fund, which the council had approved earlier. The presenter cited recently released CJA grant funds for some capital expenses and noted that water rates increased Oct. 1, which delays some revenue capture. "I recommend approval of these budgets as presented for the year ending 04/30/2025," the presenter said.

Councilors questioned a $57,000 line-item increase for investigations and asked whether corresponding grant revenue had been posted. Staff identified several grants — including an Illinois retail corridor grant of about $32,000 and an IPRF safety grant — and proposed adding $32,000 to the grant revenue line to reflect those awards. Council amended the motion to approve the budget with the $32,000 increase and approved it by roll call (motion by Commissioner Fisher, second by Commissioner Holmes; roll call recorded unanimous 'aye'). City staff said the budget remains an internal guide and appropriations are handled through a separate ordinance already passed.

Council members and the mayor later praised staff for producing a fourth straight year of balanced budgets amid difficult years and thanked department heads for finding grant money and avoiding staff cuts during the pandemic.

The council indicated staff will continue to track grant reimbursements and adjust internal line items for accuracy as funds are received.