PEORIA, Ill. – A city ordinance that could potentially punish Peoria’s homeless community with fines or jail time for camping outside will be discussed again at a special meeting of the city council Tuesday night.
The homelessness issue was a long topic of discussion at the council’s August 13 meeting.
Tuesday night, council members will be presented with two options, both that would impose fines on the homeless that would increase with repeated violations. One option would include up to six-months jail time, according to 25 News.
In a report to council, city staff said something has to be done because unsanitary conditions at the homeless encampments pose “immediate” health threats to the people living in them.
City staff also say abating or reducing encampments has been costly for Peoria. From December 2022 to October 2023, the city said it cost taxpayers nearly $31,000.
Some council members and Mayor Rita Ali have suggested that penalties against the homeless were too harsh and might make it harder for people to find stable housing.
Councilman Chuck Grayeb said at the August meeting that he supported the ordinance, calling it compassionate so people don’t have to live outside like animals.
Peoria City Council’s special session will begin at 6 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall.
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