The Normal Town Council approved an ordinance on Dec. 8 authorizing the 2025 property tax levy intended primarily to fund retirement and pension obligations and the Normal Public Library, and separately approved an ordinance to abate the portion of the levy budgeted for debt service.

Staff presented the levy ordinance and told the council the measure directs levy revenues toward police and fire pensions, Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) obligations for nonunion employees and Medicare-related retirement costs. "The what you have before you is the property tax levy and proposed ordinance that reflects the conversation from our November meeting," staff member Miss Reese said, adding that the packet reflects council direction to move $500,000 into IMRF.

Miss Reese said the levy continues the town's progress toward a long-term funding goal and listed funding targets discussed with actuarial guidance: she said the state goal is 90% funded by 2040, while the town's goal is to be 100% funded by 2040. "Both police and fire are over the 60% mark," she said, describing recent improvement in funded levels.

During questioning, Councilmember Byers asked whether the levy covers pension obligations in full. Staff confirmed the levy contributes to police and fire pensions and IMRF but does not fully fund IMRF obligations; the town will use some general-fund revenue to cover the remaining obligations.

Councilmembers and staff also discussed how much of the levy change reflects new construction versus growth in existing property values. Miss Smith and staff said roughly 1% of the levy increase is attributable to new properties added to the tax base, while about 6.4% is attributable to growth in existing property values.

Before council acted, a firefighter, Chad Pacey, used the public-comment portion to urge the council to hold a dedicated work session on staffing and public-safety concerns. "Our firefighters are stretched thin. Response times in several areas are gonna be increasing," Pacey said, asking for a structured session where firefighters could present data and answer questions.

On a roll-call vote, the levy ordinance passed with Councilmember Preston voting No and the remaining members voting Aye; the chair declared the levy approved. Later in the meeting, staff presented an ordinance to abate the portion of the levy intended to fund debt service, noting the packet showed $5,017,000 budgeted for debt service and that the town has adequate general revenues to make those payments. The council voted unanimously to approve the abatement.

The council moved to adjourn after approving the two ordinances. The meeting concluded with unanimous approval to adjourn.