ROCKFORD, Ill. — City of Rockford Aldermen motioned to layover a vote to approve the 2026 budget Monday after it was approved by the Finance and Personnel Committee last week.

Rockford’s proposed 2026b budget sits at just over half a billion dollars, totaling $556,192,913. The vote on the budget has been delayed to the next council session, but one part of the proposal is already drawing concern from some leaders. The city is facing a $3,686,447 deficit, and the current plan includes using the city’s three percent cannabis sales tax to help close that shortfall.

So far, the cannabis tax has generated about $850,000. Under current policy, that money is typically set aside for the REGROW program, which finances organizations that support disproportionately impacted communities, individuals

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