The Joliet City Council has approved the proposed 2026 annual budget by reaffirming its commitment to responsible financial management.
The 2026 budget holds the line on property taxes for the second consecutive year, ensuring no increase to the city’s portion of the property tax bill while supporting financial strength, infrastructure, public safety, and essential services, according to Kevin Sing, finance director.
“The 2026 budget continues to build on the long-term financial stability of the city while investing in the services residents rely on most”, said Sing. “We prioritized public safety and critical capital infrastructure so Joliet can grow responsibly and sustainably.”
“We conducted a comprehensive, line-by-line review of expenses to safeguard service levels without increasing taxes,” added City Manager Beth Beatty. “Each department’s requests were evaluated closely to ensure responsible and strategic use of City funds.”
Beatty said Joliet continues to protect its financial future by maintaining reserves at over 40% of annual expenses; using casino revenue for capital projects; allocating fuel tax revenue for fleet and vehicle replacements; and implementing cost-saving measures, such as updated non-union health insurance plans.
The 2026 budget, according to Sing, does not increase the city’s portion of the property tax bill for the second straight year; and continues dedication to public safety as the Police and Fire departments represent 75 percent of the city’s total manpower costs.
The budget also includes key capital infrastructure and equipment investments that include $23,462,000 for roads and sidewalks, including a minimum of $2 million dedicated to sidewalks; $2,875,000 for Fire Department vehicles; $1,088,000 for replacement of police vehicles; and funding for the Lake Michigan Water Project that includes $78 million to replace 18 miles of watermain; $27,900,000 for system improvements to accept and deliver Lake Michigan water; and $38 million for the city’s share of costs for the Grand Prairie Water Commission.
Mayor Terry D’Arcy praised city staff for their diligence in preparing the 2026 budget.
“This budget shows that Joliet can live within its means,” D’Arcy said. “We are keeping property taxes stable, investing wisely in our infrastructure and public safety, and ensuring we provide the reliable services our residents expect.”
D’Arcy said the budget also creates 11 new positions at a cost of more than $919,000 in new salaries. New positions include deputy director of human resources, financial accountant for the police department, and cultural affairs special events coordinator.
Additionally, he said the key capital infrastructure investments in Joliet include $23.4 million for roads and sidewalks, including a minimum of $2 million dedicated to sidewalks.
In other city news, the council approved spending $116,928 to install a video surveillance system inside the city-owned Ottawa Street parking deck that is part of the City Square development in downtown. The contract awarded Tuesday was to Orbis Solutions to support the safety and security of the high-traffic area, according to Chris Sternal, Joliet’s director of IT.
