Urbana approves FY2026–27 budget, a special‑use permit and swears in new Ward 5 councilor

Urbana City Council on June 22 approved several routine but consequential items: the FY2026–27 annual budget (Ordinance 2026‑06‑017), a special‑use permit for a medical clinic at 909 North Cunningham Avenue (Ordinance 2026‑06‑015), and the mayor’s nomination of Stephanie Renee Cochril to fill the Ward 5 council seat.

After consideration and several proposed but defeated amendments (including an effort to remove funding for a community-engagement line and a separate proposal to add funds for ADA/snow‑removal work), the council adopted the annual budget by roll-call vote. Multiple amendments were debated on the floor but did not carry. Council members asked staff to report back on specifics for CIP items discussed during the meeting.

Council also corrected the legal description for a planned special‑use permit to limit action to Suite A at 909 North Cunningham, then approved the permit unanimously. The vote authorizes the property’s use as a medical clinic subject to the conditions in the ordinance and city regulations.

Mayor Williams nominated Stephanie Renee Cochril to the Ward 5 seat. Council voted unanimously to appoint and swear her in; she pledged to listen and serve the community. The City Clerk will record the oath and update the council roster.

Other actions taken at the meeting included routine board and commission appointments and reappointments (traffic commission, police pension board, zoning board of appeals, human rights commission, sustainability advisory commission, Urbana Free Library trustees, tree commission, arts & culture commission).