McLean County Board approves 2026 budget; hears concerns over aquifer protections – WGLT

McLean County Board Actions: A Sustainable Development Goals Perspective

Fiscal Governance and Community Sustainability (2026 Budget)

The McLean County Board has unanimously approved a $144.5 million budget for the 2026 fiscal year. This budget reflects principles of responsible financial management and aims to support community well-being, aligning with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

• Economic Responsibility: The budget represents a nearly 5% increase ($7.2 million) over the previous year but remains below the 2024 fiscal budget. This careful management in the face of inflation demonstrates a commitment to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by fostering a stable economic environment.
• Affordable and Sustainable Communities: A proposed 5.2% tax rate decrease, resulting from increased equalized assessed property values, aims to lessen the financial burden on homeowners. This action supports SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by addressing the affordability of living within the county.
• Effective Institutions: The board’s process of budget review and approval, along with the stated goal of making incremental improvements for property owners, exemplifies the principles of SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), which calls for effective, accountable, and transparent governance.

Environmental Protection and Water Resource Management

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the protection of the Mahomet Aquifer, a critical natural resource for the region. Public and board discussions highlighted the need for local action to safeguard water quality.

1. Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6): The primary focus was on protecting the aquifer’s recharge zones from potential pollution associated with CO2 drilling and carbon capture sequestration activities. This directly addresses the core mission of SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), which is to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water for all.
2. Climate Action and Environmental Safeguards (SDG 13): While carbon capture is a technology aimed at mitigating climate change, the debate underscores the importance of implementing such solutions without compromising other environmental pillars, such as water security. This reflects a balanced approach to SDG 13 (Climate Action).
3. Protecting Ecosystems (SDG 15): By seeking to protect the waters that feed the aquifer, the county is also working to preserve the health of local ecosystems that depend on this groundwater source, in line with SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Advancements in Sustainable Infrastructure and Governance

The board addressed several other items that contribute to the county’s sustainable development framework.

• Clean Energy Infrastructure: Approval was granted for the Blooming Grove Storage Energy Center, a battery energy storage system (BESS) designed to maximize the output of existing wind farms. This project is a significant step forward for SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action) by enhancing the reliability and efficiency of renewable energy sources.
• Cultural Heritage and Urban Development: The board commissioned an architectural firm to plan the renovation of a historic building. This initiative supports SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), specifically its target to protect and safeguard cultural heritage.
• Institutional Integrity: The board outlined a clear and timely process for filling a vacancy in District 4, reinforcing its commitment to the principles of SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) by ensuring continuous and effective representation in local government.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

  The article discusses the protection of the Mahomet Aquifer. Residents and board members express concerns about potential pollution from CO2 drilling in the aquifer’s recharge zones, directly linking to the goal of ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water.

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

  The approval of the Blooming Grove Storage Energy Center, a battery energy storage system (BESS), is explicitly mentioned. This system is designed to “maximize the energy output for the wind and solar projects,” which relates directly to making renewable energy more efficient and reliable, a key aspect of this goal.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  The article mentions two relevant points. First, the plan to renovate a “historic building” connects to the protection of cultural heritage. Second, although the plan was scrapped, the building was previously considered for “affordable senior housing,” which touches upon the goal of providing adequate and affordable housing.

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

  The entire article reports on the functioning of a local government body, the McLean County Board. It details the board’s processes for budget approval, land use decisions, and managing appointments. The inclusion of public comments from residents demonstrates a participatory decision-making process, which is central to building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at the local level.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

   • Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution. The discussion focuses on preventing pollution of the Mahomet Aquifer and its recharge zones from CO2 drilling activities. Dawn Dannenbring’s comment, “It makes no sense to protect the aquifer, but allow the very waters that feed it to be polluted,” directly addresses this target.
   • Target 6.6: By 2020, protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including… aquifers. The debate over passing an ordinance to protect the aquifer’s recharge zones is a direct effort to safeguard this critical water-related ecosystem.

2. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

   • Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. The approval of the battery energy storage system is a step to support existing wind and solar projects, thereby increasing the effective share and reliability of renewable energy in the local energy supply.

3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • Target 11.4: Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage. The decision to hire an architecture firm to “plan the renovation of the historic building adjacent to the McLean County Nursing Home” is a concrete action toward this target.

4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels. The article describes the McLean County Board’s process of presenting and unanimously approving a $144.5 million budget, demonstrating an effective and transparent institutional process.
   • Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels. The article highlights that “residents spoke in favor of restrictions to CO2 drilling” during the public comment portion of the meeting, showing that the board provides a platform for public participation in its decision-making process.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article mentions or implies several indicators:

• For SDG 6: The primary indicator is the potential implementation of a local ordinance to protect water sources. The article states the county can “consider narrow restrictions using legal zoning authority” and that the board chair would “absolutely love to protect the recharge zones.” The passing of such an ordinance would be a measurable indicator of progress.
• For SDG 7: A clear indicator is the approval and development of infrastructure that supports renewable energy. The article states the board “Approved the Blooming Grove Storage Energy Center,” which is a tangible action and a measurable indicator of progress in enhancing renewable energy capabilities.
• For SDG 11: An indicator is the allocation of resources towards the preservation of cultural heritage. The fact that the board “Learned that Design Mavens Architecture will plan the renovation of the historic building” indicates that planning and likely funding are being directed toward this effort.
• For SDG 16: Indicators of institutional effectiveness and participation are present. The “unanimously approved” budget serves as an indicator of effective governance. The inclusion of “public comment” from groups like Illinois People’s Action is an indicator of a participatory and responsive decision-making process.

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

Source: wglt.org