It was a smooth evening at Tuesday’s Danville City Council meeting, as the new fiscal year 2023-24 budget was approved unanimously, with Sherry Pickering and Heidi Wilson absent due to illnesses. Some of the budget items we reported on previously included 85 percent of projected tax revenue from the new Golden Nugget Casino going to pension payouts for retired police and firefighters; along with the new pool fund for the planned Garfield Park pool being built with ARPA money, which will set aside money specifically for pool maintenance.
When intergovernmental transfers are factored in, the Danville budget comes in at $89 million. If you take out American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) COVID relief money that’s budgeted in, you have a Danville budget of $65 million, after last year’s budget of $60 million. Mayor Rickey Williams, Jr says there were few disagreements after the presentation of the budget in October, and City Comptroller Ashlyn Masey agrees, saying plenty of time was given for discussion and debate.
AUDIO: We’re very pleased. There’s been a lot of opportunity for dialogue, over the last couple of months. The first draft of the budget was rolled out in mid-October. It’s been on the agenda for every public meeting since. Lots of opportunity for discussion, which leads to a smooth vote.
The new fiscal year starts next May, but the Danville budget is always approved in December, since that’s when the tax levy needs to be filed with the county clerk.
Meanwhile, Mayor Williams commented on the passing of John Dreher, who not only was on the Danville City Council from 1987 to 97, but he also worked as Danville Public Services Director; and served on the Vermilion County Board from 2000 to 2015.
AUDIO: Mr. Dreher was someone who knew a lot about history. And he really cared about that, and also about issues around Native American people. I know that those communities will certainly miss him.
The City Council approved the Public Works Committee’s move to appropriate Moter Fuel Tax funds for some reconstruction work on North Logan and North Streets. Mayor Williams says, this work around the new Carle at the Riverfront project is bringing into view what he envisions.
AUDIO: We’re getting closer. I think when people come to town from either the west or the southwest they’re going to see what Danville, the future, will look like. With Carle, and their development, and other pending development; I think that that will help set the tone for the entire city.
The Danville City Council also approved the establishment of Requite Tattoo at 5 and 11 East North Street. Owner Kendred Tillotson says he’s hoping to be open by at least the summer. Tillotson says he’s moving from his current Vermilion Street location because he wants to be in Downtown Danville, and he’s got some plans.
AUDIO: There’s going to be a large 40 to 50 foot tall mural on the side of it. I’m moving downtown to get into some of these cool buildings downtown. In time I’d love to lease out the other offices to other photographers, and the like that would cohabitate well.
And at the end of Tuesday evening’s Danville City Council meeting, following a brief closed session, a new collective bargaining agreement with the clerical union was approved.
