Galesburg City Council Monday night approved their budget for FY24 on a unanimous vote.
The projected expenditures and revenues are balanced with property tax rates expected to be lowered next year thanks to rising assessed values of properties.
Mayor Peter Schwartzman suggested last-minute changes including a possible appropriation of $60,000 to the Skate Palace so they can repair the floor.
Schwartzman says that if those funds were granted there would be an expectation that Skate Palace would work with the City’s Department of Parks and Recreation to make the facility available to the general public on certain days.
Another change he suggested was funds to expedite improvements including a basketball court at Dale Kelley Tot Lot.
Ward 1 Alderman Bradley Hix said he felt like those ideas should be explored but a work session is the more appropriate place to make such amendments.
Ward 7 Alderman Steve Cheesman clarified that just because something isn’t in the budget doesn’t mean that it’s not something that city can’t do in the coming year.
One change in budgeting was $100,000 for The Orpheum Theatre, a cut of around $30,000 from previous years.
The reason for the cut was the observance of an agreement that said The Orpheum would receive a portion of hotel/motel tax money capped at $100,000, a cap that had been exceeded for several years.
Many public comments were made including by Orpheum Director Erin Glasnovich, thanking the city for their support while emphasizing the cultural and economic benefits of the theatre.
