Peoria City Council at its public meeting May 7 will consider its proposed $995 million tentative budget for fiscal year 2025, a 4.7% increase from last year.

Officials say the increase is minimal considering the inflation rate is 3%.

Council also will consider the $1.3 billion 10-year capital improvement program, which is increasing by 25.6%, largely driven by new utility projects, officials said.

The final budget and CIP adoption is planned for the May 28 regular council meeting.

“This budget is designed to meet the needs of core city services amid rising costs and the growth taking place throughout the community,” City Manager Henry Darwin said in a news release.

The proposed operating budget is $458.9 million, an increase from $416.4 million last year, and represents the day-to-day operations of the city.

The proposed budget adds 41 new full-time positions, with 31 supporting public safety. Additional positions will support internal services, public works fleet and streets, and water/wastewater services.

“Keeping our residents safe and our water supply secure is at the top of the list in this budget,” Mayor Jason Beck said in the release. “This budget is built to support all of the council’s top priorities, including our ongoing commitment to support economic development that is working to create quality jobs and drive future revenue for the city.”

The proposed $428.4 million capital budget for fiscal year 2025 represents a 4.3% increase.

It entails large, one-time capital projects and is largely driven by $250.2 million carried over from the previous year to support ongoing water and sewer infrastructure.

The CIP includes $5.3 million for a park refresh across the city, $3.5 million for Pioneer Park enhancements and $7 million for upgrades to Rio Vista Recreation Center and Community Park.

However, it does not include funds for an expansion of Paloma Park, which was included in past budgets.

Other budget provisions include:

• Ongoing funding support to continue the airport feasibility study along with funding for capital projects to connect Lake Pleasant Parkway to future industry in the area.

• Public safety CIP includes $20.1 million for a joint fire-medical public safety facility in the Vistancia area, as well as $19.1 million for a police evidence facility.

• $112.2 million of fiscal year 2024 carryover, which includes completing the wellfield/booster pump station at Lake Pleasant Parkway/CAP, the reclaimed water line from Jomax to Beardsley, and the SRP/CAP interconnect facility. Supply chain issues delayed some of these projects, the release said.

• The water/wastewater 10-year $737.6 million CIP funds new major plant expansions, contributes to the Bartlett Dam and reservoir expansion project, and plans for an advanced water purification treatment plant.

• The CIP includes a $14.8 million carryover to continue revitalization efforts in downtown Peoria in fiscal year 2025.