SPRINGFIELD, Ill (WICS) — Tuesday is the first reading of the budget for the City of Springfield and we’re breaking down the main highlights.
The office of public utilities, public works, and budget and management make up for the most amount of funds in the fiscal year 2027 budget.
Public utilities, or CWLP, has over 300 million budgeted for fiscal year 2027, making up 42% of the entire budget.
Some of the services they’ve outlined in their budget presentation include traffic light maintenance, streetlight maintenance, water for street cleaning, sewer flushing, and fire fighting.
But some of their proposed fund projects for 2027 include advanced smart meters, integrated resource plans–which identify and analyze options for future energy needs–rebuilds, and more.
They’re also working to replace lead water lines throughout the city as an ongoing project.
The public works department is spending 63% of the 2027 budget on permanent improvements in the city, according to their budget presentation.
They’re asking for around 19.7 million dollars more from the City of Springfield.
Some of the goals for 2027 include beautification–like urban forestry. Downtown beautification would include wayfinding signage, streetscape improvements, and more.
According to the budget presentations organized by the city, the police department and fire department make up the most corporate expenses in the city.
The police department comes in around 76 million, while the fire department is around 62 million.
Both are asking for more funds this year compared to last fiscal year’s budget.
The police department is requesting more money to increase pay and expand their workforce. They’ll also be investing in permanent improvements.
The fire department is asking for funds for department cancer screenings, a new truck and a new engine, security upgrades, and more.
The meeting begins at 5:30pm.