City Matters: Galesburg eyes Downtown growth and fiscal strategy for 2026
Galesburg City Manager Eric Hanson (JAY REDFERN/WGIL)
On this episode of Galesburg's Morning News, we spoke with Galesburg City Manager Eric Hanson and Director of Finance Jennifer O’Hern to preview the Oct. 6, 2025, City Council meeting and discuss the $76.3 million draft budget for 2026.
The 6 p.m. meeting at Galesburg City Hall includes the swearing-in of Angelica Mangieri as First Ward City Council Appointee and an update on the Galesburg Promise Program from Carl Sandburg College.
East Main Street Revitalization
The Council will consider a $94,406 resolution for the engineering phase of the East Main Street project, spanning Grand Avenue to Walnut Street. Hanson called it a critical step for safety and accessibility, addressing risks where sidewalks and utilities sit close to traffic. The project features:
- A protected shared-use path for pedestrians and cyclists.
- ADA-compliant sidewalks with ramps and signals.
- Green buffers for landscaping and stormwater management.
- Upgraded concrete curbs, gutters, and high-visibility crosswalks.
Funded partly by IDOT grants, design work begins soon, with construction planned for 2028.
Strategic Property Acquisition
A $150,000 purchase of 345-363 E. South St., near the Amtrak Depot and future National Railroad Hall of Fame, advances a plan to control this downtown block. Eric Hanson noted its role in future development, funded by TIF District #4, with demolition set for Nov. 21. Read more: Galesburg targets $150K property buy near Amtrak Depot: Here’s why
Other Agenda Items
Airport Upgrades: An IDOT grant funds 90% of improvements to the airport’s entrance road, parking lot, and fueling station, supporting aviation events.
Bunker Links: A $55,000 bid improves golf cart paths on hole 17, addressing wear from over 30,000 annual rounds.
Treat Street: The Council will vote on a resolution to temporarily close Main Street for the 2025 Treat Street event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25.
2026 Budget Overview
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Eric Hanson and Jennifer O’Hern provided insight into the 2026 $76.3 million draft budget, which balances core services, infrastructure, and fiscal responsibility. O’Hern outlined the extensive process, starting in March with department heads submitting detailed proposals. The finance team, led by O’Hern, collaborates with departments like police, fire, and public works to align needs with the city’s strategic plan, aiming for a five-year budget framework to enhance long-term planning. Previously: 2026 Galesburg draft budget $76.3M: Tax rate drops, pensions and infrastructure take center stage
Key points include:
- Core Services: 75% of the general fund supports police, fire, and streets, leaving 25% for other functions like parks and community development.
- No Grocery Tax: The Council rejected a $600,000 revenue source to avoid burdening residents, a decision Hanson said reflects the sentiment that “citizens are taxed enough.” Growth in property, sales, and income taxes is expected to offset this gap.
- Property Tax: The city’s rate is the lowest since 2008.
- Pensions: Hanson highlighted steady progress in funding public safety pensions, with year-end surpluses directed to this goal per city policy.
- IT and Cybersecurity: Both stressed rising costs to secure critical systems and maintain cyber insurance, a growing budget priority.
- Discretionary Funds: Hanson clarified that of the city’s $80 million topline revenue, only $4.1 million remains for new projects after operating costs, challenging public perceptions of available funds.
Watch the meeting at 6 p.m. on Cable Channel 7 or streaming on the city’s website.
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