In response to a $40,000 budget shortfall for this year’s March Madness Experience, the East Peoria City Council unanimously approved at its March 2 meeting to give $5,000 to support the annual event.
“The city was asked to step up,” said commissioner Tim Jeffers. “It’s money well invested in our youth and our city.”
Jeffers said the event received insufficient funds from corporate sponsors this year, which caused the budget shortfall.
Among the reasons for the council’s support, he noted that hotels, restaurants and other businesses in East Peoria will benefit from the thousands of visitors who travel to the area from across the state.
In its 12-year history, nearly 800,000 fans have experienced the March Madness Experience, an event described as an “interactive basketball playground.”
Several area cities were solicited for support, and Washington, Morton and Pekin have also contributed, so far.
In other action and discussion, the board:
• complemented the new board room at Central Junior High School where the meeting took place.
Each council member took his turn thanking District 86 superintendent Tony Ingold.
“We hope you see the fruits of your own labor with assisting both (District) 309 and 86,” Ingold said.
• Approved vacating the West Washington Street right of way for the Technology Park Subdivision as part of the Downtown 2010 project.
“There was a change in the plans,” said commissioner Mike Unes. “And because of that change, there was a right of way taken away.”
Steve Ferguson, public works director, added that there were two purposes for the decision: two realign the intersection for safety reasons and to maximize the property for the civic triangle portion of the Downtown 2010 development site.
• approved a memorandum of agreement for a revolving fund between the city and Kelley Ornamental Iron LLC. to provide assistance to the business operating in East Peoria.
The business has proposed to open at 4301 N. Main St., and they are asking for a $75,000 loan.
“We certainly appreciate your confidence in the city of East Peoria,” Unes said. “This is a perfect use for our revolving loan fund.”
The business coming to East Peoria will create up to 16 jobs for the city, Unes added.
• approved the purchase of a $27,705 electronic warning siren from Ragan Communications.
“This is one of the final holes we need to fill for proper coverage in case of a tornado or other disaster,” said fire chief William Darin.
• heard about the FY 2010-11 budget calendar from Unes.
The council plans to get started March 17, when a working session will take place before the council meeting.
Then, they will meet every Tuesday until the first reading of the budget April 20, he said. A second reading will take place May 4.
“Like every year, this will be a challenging budget season, but it’s one we will get a good start on,” Unes said. "I’m confident we can get through it and have a responsible, balanced budget.”
East Peoria, Ill. —
