Joliet's 2026 Budget: New Jobs and Big Salaries
Joliet is looking at some big changes in its 2026 budget. The city plans to add 11 new jobs, with some of them paying over $100,000. This news comes as the city council gets ready to vote on the budget.
Budget Breakdown
- Total Cost for New Salaries: Almost $920,000
- Property and Fuel Taxes: No Increase
- Budget Document: 183 pages, already online for public viewing
New Positions and Salaries
The city plans to hire the following new positions:
- Deputy Director of Human Resources
- Salary: $140,000
Total Cost with Benefits: $210,000
- Recruitment and Retention Coordinator
- Salary: $105,000
Total Cost with Benefits: $158,733
- Financial Accountant for the Police Department
- Salary: $90,000
Total Cost with Benefits: $140,485
- Cultural Affairs Special Events Coordinator
- Salary: $90,000
Total Cost with Benefits: $140,485
- Four Firefighter/Paramedics
- Salary per Person: $72,249
Total Cost with Benefits per Person: $140,421
- Service Worker in the Finance Department
- Salary: $99,106
Total Cost with Benefits: $151,562
- Customer Service Account Clerk in the Finance Department
- Salary: $64,563
- Total Cost with Benefits: $109,541
The Big Picture
This budget is a big deal for Joliet. It shows the city is ready to invest in its future by adding new jobs and supporting its current employees. But it also raises questions about how the city will manage these new costs without raising taxes. It's a balancing act, and Joliet is stepping up to the challenge.
