City of Joliet Passes 2026 Budget with No City Property Tax Increase for Second Consecutive Year

For Immediate Release Contact: City of Joliet

December 16, 2025 815-724-4000

City of Joliet Passes 2026 Budget with No City Property Tax Increase for Second Consecutive Year

2026 Annual Budget Underscores City's Commitment to Strategic
Investment in Public Safety, Infrastructure, Quality of Life

JOLIET, IL - The Joliet City Council has passed its official 2026 annual budget, a balanced and forward-looking plan that keeps taxes level while continuing strategic investments in public safety, infrastructure and quality-of-life improvements across all districts of the city. The proposed budget includes no increase to the City's portion of the property tax levy, marking the second consecutive year residents will see no city property tax increase. This milestone is achieved despite rising costs across all sectors, underscoring the City's commitment to fiscal discipline.

"This budget reflects six months of thoughtful collaboration between the City Council, department leadership and the administration," said City Manager Beth Beatty. "The process involved individual input from all City Council members and department leadership. All departmental requests were reviewed line-by-line to ensure investments protect core services, strengthen City operations and prepare Joliet for future growth."

Public safety remains a top priority in the proposed 2026 budget. The Police and Fire Departments represent approximately 75% of the City's total manpower costs, reflecting sustained investment in staffing, training, equipment and facilities that support readiness and reliability. In addition to $4 million for Fire and Police Department vehicles, the budget also allocates $23.4 million for road and sidewalk improvements, with a minimum of $2 million dedicated to sidewalks, $7 million for the Public Safety Institute in partnership with Joliet Junior College and $2.7 million for Roadways Division vehicles and equipment.

"The 2026 annual budget continues the City of Joliet's commitment to long-term financial stability," said Mayor Terry D'Arcy. "As stewards of taxpayer dollars, we have a responsibility to prioritize fiscal discipline, which was our guiding principle in creating this budget."

The 2026 budget maintains General Fund reserves in excess of 40% of annual expenditures, using casino revenues exclusively for capital projects, directing fuel tax revenues toward fleet replacement and implementing cost-containment measures such as updates to non-union health insurance plans. These practices help protect taxpayers while allowing the City to maintain optimal service levels and invest in Joliet's future.

"The 2026 annual budget continues the City of Joliet's commitment to long-term financial stability," said Mayor Terry D'Arcy. "As stewards of taxpayer dollars, we have a responsibility to prioritize fiscal discipline, which was our guiding principle in creating this budget."

The 2026 budget additionally includes continued support for completion of the City Square and Chicago Street Corridor projects, which are designed to enhance downtown connectivity, safety, and public gathering space. City Square will create a central civic space near the Rialto Square Theatre for community events and everyday use, while the Chicago Street Corridor project improves streetscape design and access through the downtown core, and advances the Lake Michigan Water Project, one of the most significant long-term investments in Joliet's history. Funding supports watermain replacement, system improvements and the City's share of the Grand Prairie Water Commission, ensuring long-term water reliability, system resiliency, and sustainability.

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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: [email protected].