By Taylor Fleming and Mimi Herrick
PEKIN, Ill. (25 News) – Pekin residents said no to an increase in taxes after the park district put out a survey. Now the question is “Where will the money come from?”
The Pekin Park District will not pursue a referendum after a resounding no in survey responses, they say they will try to get state and federal grants, but maintaining their current parks is already becoming a struggle.
Rising costs over time have put pressure on the park district’s budget, the president of the board pointed to minimum wage increases, aging equipment, and maintaining internal park roads as pressure points.
The president of the park board says the team is looking at the budget, trying to figure out where they can save money.
“Unfortunately we’re going to have to make some tough decisions. Maybe cut some programs, or do away with programs, or possibly even do away with some of the park district property.“ Michael Dralle, President of the Pekin Park Board said.
A new executive director will guide the park district starting in September, Abi Almandinger, who is the first woman to hold this position.
“I’m excited to just kind of start listening and hearing about, you know, are there frustrations or how can I help come up with some creative solutions with some fresh eyes?” Almandinger said.
She has experience writing grants from her last job in Missouri, where she says aging equipment was also an issue. She thinks Pekin does a good job of keeping trash out of the parks, but the existing tax levy poses an issue.
