Museum in Poor Financial Shape?

No problem, Peoria County Administration and Board gladly wants to expand their bureaucracy and help out. I wondered why so many union workers wanted to sign my petitions. They learned that like IMAX's and fund pledges, they are all partially smoke and mirrors. (See article in today's JS and the Peoria Chronicle blog).

I hear now that the County Administrator has agreed to provide the maintenance for the new museum. Figure replacements costs like roofs, etc. to be substantial at about the time the 20 year facility tax ends. If I thought I would be around I'd take bets that future county administrations ensure that this tax is renewed one way or another just like the jail tax that expires in 2013 is not, in reality, GOING TO EXPIRE.

Remember, the 2003 increased tax levy to MAINTAIN the County Nursing Home was interpreted to mean build a new one without a new referendum. This compassionate community hasn't protested. In many progressive communities, some activists would have filed an objection to this interpretation of the the word "maintain".

Latest count of residents at BW? 225, down from administrations "projections" the census would be 275.

Hmmm.

Maybe they will 30 years from now when the County Board decides that the new PRM needs to be replaced.

Back to taxes. How many taxes once assessed are allowed to expire or without a new one taking it's place?

Anyway, the museum makes good copy for the JS, so sadly lacking in real, factual local news.

Did the JS mention that the family oriented African Exhibit has obtained a liquor licence so they can compete with the private sector for social events. At least, the PPD hasn't started their own catering service.

How is Running Central's new store doing inside the RiverPlex? Another use of taxpayer money to compete against local business. I assume they pay rent. It would be interesting to know how much. Surely would beat expanding at their own expense.

In the meantime, the Peoria Park District with their 9000 acres of hilly land, continues to be one of the largest, if not the largest contributor to soil runoff into the Illinois River. Or into tributaries that eventually make their way to the clog the river with good soil.

You may wish to check their budget for the amount set aside each year for "erosion control".

Not much.