City sells annex building to township for $1; 2024 budget finalization process begins

QUINCY — The Quincy City Council held its first public hearing and reading of the FY 2024 budget ordinance Monday night.

Aldermen will hear the third reading and voted on the $52.7 general fund spending plan on April 24.

In a memo to the aldermen, Director of Administrative Services Jeff Mays said revenues of $50.2 million are expected as state reimbursements are expected to decline after years of more revenue than anticipated. The city will cover the deficit with reserves from its anticipated $9 million fund balance at the end of FY 2023.

City staff is expect to increase by two positions in the Information Technology department, raising the city’s overall headcount to 316 employees. Both police and fire departments also anticipate reaching their full staffing levels of 70 and 60 employees, respectively.

During the regular council meeting, aldermen approved:

• The sale of the City Annex Building to Quincy Township for $1. Aldermen John Mast (R-5th Ward) asked for an amendment that give the City first right of refusal to buy the building back should Quincy Township decide it no longer wants to own it.
• A special event application from Rev. Orville Jones of First Baptist Church, requesting permission to hold the “Juneteenth 2023 Celebration” on Saturday, June 17 from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at 715 North 7th.
• A special event application from the St. Dominic’s Junefest Committee requesting permission to
  hold the annual “Junefest” on Saturday, June 3from 5:00 p.m. to Midnight at St.
  Dominic School, 4100 Columbus Road.
• A special event application from Tieraney Craig, owner of Quincy Brewing Co., 110 North 6th,
  requesting permission to hold an artisan-style “Maker’s Market” on Saturday, June 17
  between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.
• Demolition expenditures for 314 Elm, 414 Elm, 909 N. 5th, and 613 Chestnut Street. The City received a Court Order to demolish the structures as they were deemed dangerous and unsafe. Miller Construction Company had the low bid of $97,700 for the demolition of the structure.