Elgin budget hearing set for June 9, council to review spending items

Elgin residents will get a chance on June 9 to weigh in on spending that could affect holiday traditions, council training and the Hu-Na-Ha RV Park, one of the city’s revenue engines. The City Council budget hearing is set for 6 p.m. at Elgin City Hall, 790 S 8th Ave.

At issue are several items already advanced by the Elgin Budget Committee and headed to the council for final approval. Mayor S. James Johnson’s budget message says the committee approved an additional $1,500 for the city’s donations fund to help buy a Christmas tree for the holiday season, $1,000 per councilor for training opportunities, and another $10,000 for RV park improvements, which would bring that fund to $20,000.

The RV park request carries the biggest financial weight. City budget materials describe the Hu-Na-Ha RV Park and the City of Elgin Solid Waste Transfer Site as two business-like funds that help support the city’s finances. Johnson’s message says the park helps generate revenue, keep fees lower for residents and support city operations and improvements. The city’s RV Park page says the campground offers full hook-ups, 30/50 amp service, limited Wi-Fi, restrooms, showers, laundry and pet-friendly camping, with nightly rates ranging from $20 to $37 depending on site and RV type, plus lodging taxes and fees.

That focus on revenue comes after a tighter review of city finances. Elgin’s budget message says the council began an enhanced review in February 2025 after finding a history of extraneous spending that had reduced cash reserves. The city says it wants to build reserves, eliminate debt and improve services while staying cautious about fee increases that could make costs harder for residents to absorb.

Other pieces of the budget picture show how Elgin is trying to stretch each dollar. The message says a refreshed public safety funding arrangement produced a cheaper contract with the Union County Sheriff’s Office, and the city’s municipal-adjudication agreement with Union County Justice Court brings in revenue without up-front costs. Elgin also says it hired a new Ordinance Officer who is expected to be more proactive on property cleanup and code compliance.

The June 9 hearing will be one of the city’s main public checkpoints before the 2026-27 budget is locked in. For a small city where a few line items can shape services, staffing and infrastructure, the debate now turns on what Elgin will protect, what it will expand and how far it will lean on the RV park as a public asset.