ROCKFORD, Ill. (WREX) — Rockford City Council is gearing up for next year, officially approving their 2026 budget at Monday night's meeting.

After a five-hour meeting, the balanced budget was passed, which will provide funding to items like the Rockford Promise and the Home Rehabilitation Grant and will not increase property taxes.

The topic of the city's deficit was also top of mind as the city diverted money from elsewhere to help make up for it.

Rockford's 3% Cannabis Sales Tax currently funds the Re-Grow Program, which aims to reinvest back into disproportionally impacted communities. However, it will now be used to help fill the $3 million deficit.

At Monday night's meeting, aldermen did share their concerns surrounding topics such as that tax. Tuesday, Rockford mayor, Tom McNamar

See Full Page