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Urbana council adopts FY2025–26 tax levy and abatements; FEMA budget amendment fails for lack of supermajority
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Summary
Council approved an ordinance levying taxes for FY2025–26 and related abatements directing the Champaign County Clerk not to collect specified debt levies; a separate budget amendment to add FEMA Assistance to Firefighters grant funds failed because it did not meet the six‑vote threshold.
The Urbana City Council on Dec. 15 adopted ordinances levying taxes for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, and approved abatement ordinances that direct the Champaign County Clerk to abate portions of levies for the general corporate fund and specified bond debt service. City finance staff explained the city routinely levies at a higher amount and then abates to maintain a stable tax rate, noting the abatement happens before levy extension and tax bills are issued.
Finance staff member Elizabeth told council: “We levy higher... and then there is actually included in this group of 3 ordinances there's an ordinance that abates the levy to make sure that our tax rate does not increase.” Staff also explained debt service for recent general obligation bonds (fire stations and Hotel Royer) and said the city plans to pay some bond debt service from revenue generated by projects rather than by levying property taxes.
Separately, council considered an ordinance to revise the annual budget to include FEMA Assistance to Firefighters grant funds (a budget amendment). Council discussion and roll call showed several affirmative votes, but staff and the clerk noted that budget amendments require a higher threshold (six affirmative votes). The amendment did not meet that threshold and failed.
Votes at a glance: the levy ordinance and the abatement ordinances passed on roll calls with affirmative votes recorded; the FEMA‑related budget amendment failed for lack of the required six affirmative votes. The council recorded that some members on phone lines were not present for specific roll calls and clarified voting status where necessary. The meeting then adjourned.
