Normal Council Approves $138.2 Million Budget

NORMAL, Ill.- The Normal Town Council voted on the Operating and Capital Investment Budget for the 2021-22 fiscal year Monday night.

While  most council members appeared in favor of the $138.2 million budget, council member Stand Nord had several questions about what the money would be spent on.

“Would we also be proceeding forward with the $4.75 million water extension on College Avenue in front of Rivian?” Nord asked.

City Manager Pamela Reece explained the budget would be used for various municipal and capital projects.

“That is still in the budget, yes,” said Reece. “And as I’ve indicated before if we don’t spend it that would be great because we’d get grant dollars.”

However, Reece said they are planning as if they don’t have any grant funds.

Among the supporters of the budget was council member Kevin McCarthy.

“I’m excited about this budget, there’s a lot of good things,” said McCarthy. “I think it’s a responsible budget.”

McCarthy expressed his thanks to the town followed by Mayor Koos.

“In the last four or five years, a couple of times, the world has thrown us some curves and some tough, tough issues,” said Koos. “Year in, year out, staff in the town of Normal figures out ways to do the best they possibly can, to have the least negative impact on our citizens.”

The budget was approved with a 6-1 vote, with Nord being the only one opposed.