Peotone Board Approves FY2027 Budget, Advances Downtown Development Plans

By Andrea Arens

PEOTONE — The Peotone Village Board on Monday, March 23 approved the village’s fiscal year 2027 budget and advanced several initiatives aimed at infrastructure improvements and downtown revitalization.

Following a public hearing with no public comments, trustees unanimously approved the FY2027 budget, which runs from April 1, 2026 through March 31, 2027.

Village Administrator Nick Palmer said the budget reflects conservative revenue estimates and continued financial challenges, while maintaining key investments in infrastructure and public safety.

The general fund projects approximately $4.39 million in revenue against $4.73 million in expenditures. A $300,000 transfer from the village’s downtown TIF fund helps offset costs, resulting in a net fund balance decrease of about $147,800.

Palmer noted the village continues to see growth in revenue streams tied to the travel center, including hotel/motel taxes and video gaming.

“We’re not an overstaffed organization,” Palmer said. “Keeping up with projects is a challenge, and that’s why economic development is critical—to bring in revenue beyond property taxes.”

The budget maintains the village’s policy of keeping a fund balance at roughly 30% of annual expenditures and includes funding for:

• Two new police squad cars and one public works truck

• Road resurfacing and sidewalk repairs

• Continued contributions to the police pension fund, now improved to roughly 57.5% funded, up from 21.6% in 2016

• Ongoing bond debt payments tied to travel center infrastructure

Downtown Overlay and Facade Program Approved

In a move years in the making, the board approved a new downtown overlay zoning district designed to guide development while preserving the character of Peotone’s downtown.

The ordinance introduces design standards and flexibility for property owners, including adjustments to setbacks and planning requirements, aimed at encouraging reinvestment without compromising the area’s identity.

“This has been worked on for many years,” Palmer said, noting multiple workshops and public hearings before the Plan Commission.

The overlay district would require property owners to go through a review process when making modifications to any property in the district. Most would be approved, but major modifications would require a checklist implemented by village administration. The process still allows for owners to apply for a variance should their desired modification not meet the design standards.

Trustees also approved a companion facade improvement program intended to support upgrades to downtown buildings. The facade improvement program works as a grant requiring certain specifications for up to $50,000.

Police Department Receives Partial Grants for Cameras

Police Chief David DeMik reported the department was awarded a partial grant totaling approximately $60,800 to fund new in-car camera systems and additional body cameras.

The original request was for $106,491.10.

The grant also includes roughly $10,800 to cover previously unfunded body camera storage costs, reducing existing expenses.

Village officials must decide by April whether to proceed with accepting the grant and completing the equipment purchase.

Chief DeMik also reported that there’s been increased patrolling at the Peotone Travel Center since it’s been booked with tornado relief workers; he said there have been no issues.

Continued enforcement of overweight trucks on First and Second Streets is ongoing and additional signage has been ordered.

DeMik also reported that Officers participated in an Escape Room with elementary school students last week and they’re still looking for Officer Wallace-Peotone Local is sure that’s a joke.

Public Works Updates and Seasonal Services

Public Works Director Bob Hennke announced that branch pickup will begin April 6, while street sweeping is already underway following late-season snowfall.

He also noted an increase in utility locate requests as residents begin spring projects.

Additionally, the department is working to fill a staffing vacancy following a recent departure.

 

Community Planning Efforts Continue

Palmer said the village received 337 responses to its recent community survey, part of an ongoing strategic planning process.

The next phase will include focus groups representing residents, businesses, and local taxing bodies. Interested residents may contact Village Hall to participate.

Other Actions

The board also:

• Approved a subdivision of unincorporated property on Kennedy Road, as required for parcels within 1.5 miles of village limits

• Authorized a change order for the 2025 sidewalk replacement program

• Approved a new liquor and video gaming license for Berkots Superfoods

• Renewed multiple liquor, tobacco, and gaming licenses

• Approved a $6,582 purchase of a trailer for the public works department

• Authorized participation in the state’s road salt purchasing program
  

 

Trustees also approved permits and waived fees for the Peotone Historical Society’s Old Mill Fall Fest, scheduled for Sept. 19–20, including associated road closures.

Additional Board News

Mayor Chris Vieaux thanked a departing public works employee for his service and reminded residents that the Sportsman’s Club remains temporarily closed while the village evaluates next steps following the end of its contract.

Residents were asked not to access the site until it is deemed safe and reopened.

The meeting concluded without an executive session.