Ceiling Collapse, Rodent Woes: $60M Public Safety Plan Referendum On March 2026 Primary Ballot

GENEVA, IL — Geneva residents will be asked in the March primary election to approve a nearly $60 million public safety plan to address aging public safety infrastructure.

If passed, the referendum would have a tax impact of about $272 annually for the average Geneva household, officials said Tuesday. With the added funding, the city would build a new police station.

A facilities master plan approved by the Geneva City Council in July 2025 identified more than $100 million in needs related to aging infrastructure and space limitations. The issues have become more pressing in recent years, with officials citing a population growth of almost 70 percent since 1980.

"While this plan does not address all the City’s facility challenges, notably the need to improve our fire stations, City Hall, and Public Works, it makes significant progress toward our community’s top priorities while reflecting what residents told us they were willing to invest," officials wrote in a news release.

The current police station, at 20 Police Plaza, frequently floods due to roof and sewer back-ups, including a recent partial ceiling collapse. Officials said there are also mice in the walls and ceilings, and the building doesn't have adequate space for personnel and equipment.

"It is no longer financially sound to invest in continued repairs for this building, which also is not energy efficient," officials said.

Officials said its budget cannot accomodate the "significant infrastructure challenges" without additional funding. The city receives 5 percent of the property tax bill, which is 46 percent lower than St. Charles and 35 percent lower than Batavia.

"We operate with minimal debt, maintain responsible operating reserves, and earned a bond rating upgrade to Aa1 in 2023," officials said. "Our commitment to fiscal responsibility earns multiple awards every year."

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Improvements will increase safety and security for residents, officials said, while respecting the city's historical nature.

"We will be able to replace aging infrastructure and mechanicals without impacting a historical facility, giving us an updated police station that is more accessible, efficient, and sustainable," the city said. "We will be better able to serve the community through an improved facility with enhanced technology and space for community meetings. We will also increase our ability to recruit and retain the best and brightest staff in our police department."