Finance & Budget Committee Meeting 6-3-2026

The City of Evanston Finance and Budget Committee met on June 3, 2026, to discuss several financial and procurement-related matters. Key topics included the denial of an additional $48,000 funding request for a human services program, with $345,000 remaining to implement the program. The committee received an update on the city's American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) spending, including a $3 million allocation to the YMCA project and discussions on reallocating unspent funds within ARPA's affordable housing buckets. Members emphasized the need for clear deliverables and transparency on ARPA-funded projects and expressed interest in incentivizing small businesses to boost local economic development. The committee also reviewed an update on a general obligation bond sale, noting adjustments to reduce bond size and manage interest rates amid market uncertainties. Finally, the committee discussed formalizing a policy on unbudgeted expenses and cost overruns, voting unanimously to direct staff to draft a resolution for city council consideration. The meeting concluded with plans to review the city audit and fund balances in the next session, highlighting concerns about closing the 2027 general fund deficit and the importance of early budget discussions.