By WMBD TV
NORMAL – The Town of Normal is seeing cuts due to concerns with their revenue streams.
The Normal Town Council unanimously approved the town’s Operating and Capital Investment Budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year on Monday.
The budget included about $210.7 million in transfers and expenditures, according to City Manager Pamela Reece. This is down compared to this year’s $223 million budget.
She said she was proud of the budget despite the challenges.
“It’s a belt-tightening budget until we have a better understanding of where our sales tax revenues will be coming in,” Reece said.
There were also concerns with cuts being made to funding at the national level. One of the areas trimmed included $2 million in economic development funding.
The budget includes more than $20.13 million for police, $15.95 million for Public Works, $13. 91 million for fire and $13.86 million for general government operations.
Mayor Chris Koos said he was thankful to the town’s staff for all the work they put into the budget.
“You always deliver a thoughtful, well-considered budget to us,” Koos said. “With what I would say is a conservative approach but optimism for the future.”
The full budget is available here.
The council also unanimously approved a donation of land, the building and assets of the Illinois Art Station, which will allow the town to assume oversight of the non-profit art and education organization this year.
“Accepting this donation aligns with the Town’s ongoing commitment to public art, placemaking and developing a strong local identity, all priorities in the Comprehensive Plan and the Town’s Strategic Plan,” Reece said. “Both the Town and IAS staff are committed to a smooth transition. Merging day-to-day operations may take time, but most importantly, IAS patrons can expect continued quality and art programming.”
The organization’s art program will remain in the building at 101 Vernon Ave. The Art Station will keep its name but be made part of the town’s Cultural Arts Department.
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