You may remember I said I wasn’t going to comment on the city’s proposal until I was able to get all the details instead of just some sketchy reports. Well, I now have a copy of the letter that was sent to the district, signed by Bob Manning and Mayor Jim Ardis. You can read it here (PDF file): City’s proposal to District 150.

The most impressive part of the letter is the last page — the one that shows all the money and other assistance the city already gives to District 150. Remember, District 150 is its own taxing body and the city isn’t obligated to give them any money — not one penny — yet they receive or benefit from $311,105 from the city’s operating fund (truancy officers, crossing guards), $575,000 from the city’s capital fund, and $236,000 from the Southtown TIF (Valeska Hinton School). Total: $1,122,105.

In the city’s proposal, the city would provide another half-million dollars for property acquisition on one condition: the new school for the Woodruff attendance area is built at the current Glen Oak School site. Coupled with the $1 million the district still has budgeted for property acquisition and their ability to sell the properties they’ve already purchased by the park, that should be more than enough money, even if they have to acquire some of the homes for 10-20% over market value.

That’s one heck of a deal. It would be very foolish for the school board to turn it down, considering they could stand to lose more than just $500,000 for property acquisition.

The city is in a budget crunch. There are two fire houses in Peoria that are understaffed, and the police force could use some boosting, especially given the increase in crime lately. That $300,000 a year from the operating fund that goes to the school district is going to be a mighty tempting target for the chopping block, especially if the school district continues to treat the city as an adversary instead of an ally.

There’s a lot to be said for the argument that the city should just play hardball instead of trying to woo the school district with more cash. But I think this deal is a good one, nevertheless. The city is taking the high road — trying to work with the school board, show their willingness to compromise, and put their money where their mouth is.  It shows a good faith effort to work things out amicably.

If the school board rebuffs the city, it will make it just that much easier for the city to balance its budget, and that much harder for the district to balance theirs.