The Galesburg City Council wrapped up its meeting in just 44 minutes Monday night, approving every item on the agenda by a 7-0 vote.
The city’s 2026 budget and salary schedule were approved, totaling $89.8 million in planned spending.
City Manager Eric Hanson also noted that when Illinois ends its 1 percent grocery tax on Dec. 31, Galesburg will not introduce its own grocery tax. The city expects to lose about $600,000 in revenue but says the budget is strong enough to handle it.
• Granicus contract renewal — The city will pay $25,565 to continue livestreaming and archiving public meetings.
• Sale of old police firearms — The police department will sell about $40,000 in old service weapons and confiscated guns to a licensed dealer. Proceeds will help cover the cost of new firearms.
• New stop signs near Cooke Park — A stop sign will replace the current yield at Holton and Second streets, where traffic is expected to increase once the new Cooke Park opens.
• Airport fuel tank replacement — Brandt Construction of Milan won a $1.39 million bid to replace the airport’s aging fuel farm.
• Union agreements — Contracts with AFSCME and IAFF Local 555 were approved.
• Worker’s comp claim — The city approved a $32,000 payment related to a May 2024 injury.
Galesburg Township approved its 2026 budget of $1.18 million and its tax levy. Supervisor Kimberly Thierry said the only major change is $25,000 to support the Volunteer Network on Aging.
• Evan Miller (3rd Ward): Thanked city crews, police and firefighters for their storm response.
• Dwight White (4th Ward): Noted Dec. 1 as Rosa Parks Day and thanked city crews.
• Heather Acerra (5th Ward): Encouraged residents to shop local for the holidays and highlighted upcoming events at Discovery Depot (Dec. 4) and the Orpheum Theatre (Dec. 10).
• Greg Saul (6th Ward): Thanked city crews.
• Steve Cheesman (7th Ward): Thanked city crews and the finance department, recognized Rosa Parks Day, and praised Baylie and Parker Mayfield of Galesburg Christian School for their “Junk 4 Jingles” project.
• Angelica Mangieri (1st Ward): Encouraged residents to help spread the word about warming centers.
• Wendel Hunigan (2nd Ward): Recognized Tristan Wallace, 37, who died Nov. 16 of cancer. Hunigan called Wallace “the kindest individual I’ve ever met,” noting that he was diagnosed with autism as a child but earned high grades, rarely missed school, and never drank, smoked or used drugs. He described Wallace as “the standard of goodness and righteousness,” always willing to help others. Wallace became a familiar figure to many residents during his 17 years with Little Caesar’s, where he held an advertising sign at Henderson and Dayton streets in all weather. Following Hunigan’s tribute, attendees applauded in Wallace’s honor.
