Proposed Budget Would Close Urbana Civic Center

Mayor Diane Marlin will propose over $600,000 in budget cuts, when she presents her new budget plan to the Urbana City Council Monday evening. If passed in its current form, the budget would cut expenses by closing the deteriorating Urbana Civic Center. 

The Civic Center is available to the public for receptions, private parties and business meetings. However, Marlin said the building is in poor condition, with the roof, kitchen, restrooms and sound system all deteriorating.

“Everything is old and has reached the end of—a lot has reached the end of its life, and there are no funds set aside to address this," Marlin said. She said a full renovation of the Urbana Civic Center could cost the city between $750,000 to $1 million.

Marlin said if the proposal is approved, the city will close the Urbana Civic Center—freeing up more money in the budget to fund public safety, infrastructure, and other core programs.

She said her nearly $46 million budget plan is critical for securing Urbana’s financial future, so the city can provide the services and programs that its citizens need.

“I’m calling it, we’re building a foundation for the future, which we really are," Marlin said. 

The proposed budget would spend about $2.4 million more than it takes in. Marlin said that’s due to some large one-time expenditures in capital development funds. 

The city council will hold a public hearing on the proposed budget in the Urbana City Council Chambers on Monday, June 4 at 7 p.m.