For Immediate Release                                                        Contact: City of Joliet

December 10, 2025                                                                             815-724-4000                                             

Joliet, IL – The Joliet City Council will vote on the proposed 2026 annual budget, reaffirming its commitment to responsible financial management while delivering high-quality services for residents. The 2026 budget holds the line on property taxes for the second consecutive year, ensuring no increase to the city’s portion of the property tax bill while supporting financial strength, infrastructure, public safety, and essential services.

“The 2026 budget continues to build on the long-term financial stability of the City while investing in the services residents rely on most”, said Finance Director Kevin Sing. “We prioritized public safety and critical capital infrastructure so Joliet can grow responsibly and sustainably.”

“We conducted a comprehensive, line-by-line review of expenses to safeguard service levels without increasing taxes,” said City Manager Beth Beatty. “Each department’s requests were evaluated closely to ensure responsible and strategic use of City funds.”

Long-Term Financial Stability

The City continues to protect its financial future by:

• Maintaining reserves at over 40% of annual expenses
• Using casino revenue for capital projects
• Allocating fuel tax revenue for fleet and vehicle replacements
• Implementing cost-saving measures, such as updated non-union health insurance plans

Key Highlights of the 2026 Budget

• No increase to the City’s portion of the property tax bill for the second consecutive year
• Continued dedication to public safety — the Police and Fire Departments represent 75% of the City’s total manpower costs

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• Key capital infrastructure and equipment investments:
  • $23,462,000 for roads and sidewalks, including a minimum of $2,000,000 dedicated to sidewalks
  • $7,000,000 for the Public Safety Institute in partnership with Joliet Junior College
  • $2,733,000 for vehicles and equipment for the Roadways Division
  • $2,875,000 for Fire Department vehicles
  • $1,088,000 for replacement police vehicles
  • Funding for the Lake Michigan Water Project: $78,000,000 to replace 18 miles of watermain; $27,900,000 for system improvements to accept and deliver Lake Michigan water; and $38,000,000 for the City’s share of costs for the Grand Prairie Water Commission
  • Completion of the Chicago Street Corridor and City Square

Mayor Terry D’Arcy praised city staff for their diligence in preparing the 2026 budget.
“This budget shows that Joliet can live within its means,” Mayor D’Arcy said. “We are keeping property taxes stable, investing wisely in our infrastructure and public safety, and ensuring we provide the reliable services our residents expect.”

The 2026 budget reinforces the City’s path toward continued progress, financial stability, and high-quality community services in the year ahead.

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About the City of Joliet

The City of Joliet is located in Will and Kendall counties in the State of Illinois, 30 miles (48 km) southwest of Chicago. It is the county seat of Will County. At the 2020 census, the city was the third largest in Illinois, with a population of 150,362. For more information about the city, visit https://www.joliet.gov.

Media Contact: Rosemaria DiBenedetto, Media Engagement and Communications Director, Cell: 847-269-5556 or email: communications@joliet.gov.