City Matters: Eric Hanson on public safety upgrades, tax restraint

Galesburg City Manager Eric Hanson joins Galesburg's Morning News to preview the Monday, Oct. 20, 2025, City Council meeting. Hanson details a $1.24 million StarCom21 radio upgrade for police and fire to improve communication with state and county agencies, ensuring better 911 responses by late 2026. A $435,000 Motorola Solutions contract will replace outdated body and in-car cameras to boost transparency. On fiscal policy, Hanson highlights minor fee adjustments for city services, and a resolution to keep the 2026 property tax levy increase at 5% or less, avoiding a public hearing and keeping Galesburg’s tax rate the lowest since 2008, with 80% funding police and fire pensions. The council will approve buying 1,600 tons of rock salt at $84.88 per ton, using a 2,500-ton surplus for winter readiness. Off the agenda, Hanson discusses the city’s role in selecting a new Experience Galesburg tourism director to boost local business. [widget id="custom_html-239"]