City Matters: Galesburg City Manager shares Christmas wish list, previews tonight’s council agenda
Galesburg City Manager Eric Hanson (JAY REDFERN/WGIL)
In this episode of Galesburg's Morning news, City Manager Eric Hanson joins WGIL's Jay Redfern and Tyler Gumm for a detailed preview of tonight’s (Dec. 15, 2025) Galesburg City Council meeting and a broader look at the city’s priorities heading into 2026.
Hanson breaks down key agenda items, including:
• The annual abatement of property taxes on General Obligation bonds—preventing a potential $2.8 million levy increase by using alternative revenues.
• A switch to a self-insured health plan expected to save the city nearly $900,000 while keeping employee coverage nearly identical.
• Approval of new ventilated dugouts at Jimmy Isaacson Field in H.T. Custer Park and a new utility tractor for Bunker Links golf course.
• A commitment letter with IDOT to move forward on the final phase of the Lake Storey shared-use path, aiming for construction starts in 2026.
The conversation also touches on the recent brick facade incident at the Weinberg Arcade building (repairs starting this week, no injuries) and ongoing south-side park investments.
Hanson shares his “Christmas wish list” for Galesburg: an easy solution to the nationwide housing crunch (though he notes, unfortunately, there isn’t one—especially when it comes to getting that first foundation poured), more economic development projects like the Western Smokehouse meat stick production facility to create jobs, and better ways to address mental health and support for vulnerable residents.
The council meets at 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 15 at City Hall.
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Galesburg City Manager Eric Hanson (JAY REDFERN/WGIL)