PEORIA, Ill. — Like municipalities nationwide, Peoria is having to consider making cuts to keep the city in operation due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Peoria City Manager Patrick Urich told WMBD’s Greg and Dan, 45% of $2.2 billion coming to Illinois from the federal government is meant to take care of Chicago and larger counties.
“But, then there’s the rest of this for direct related expenses due to COVID-19. There’s been no word from the Governor’s Office about how that money may roll out to cities and counties throughout Illinois,” Urich said.
The third stimulus package does include $1 million for Peoria to be used for community development. City Council will discuss Tuesday night how to use that new money to help local businesses.
City Council will also have to consider cuts that can be made to the budget.
Urich said Peoria could be $41 million in red, even if the economy starts to recover by July.
In the midst of the pandemic, local businesses are struggling to stay afloat. Urich said they need our support.
“Make sure you’re doing what you can to shop local and to protect those local business owners that have really taken it on the chin.”
Urich said that support will be equally as important, if not more, when Gov. J-B Pritzker lifts the current stay-at-home order.
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