The proposed $100.8 million budget will spend millions on police and fire pensions as well as a 3 percent pay raise for city workers.

Some businesses would see license fees double, among other fee hikes meant to shore up city finances.

Belleville aldermen approved a 12 percent increase in the city’s property tax levy.

The city’s property tax levy would increase by nearly 12 percent, with most of the funding going toward police and fire pensions.

As property tax bills land in mailboxes in Madison and St. Clair counties, TIF districts sap local tax dollars.

Though the median household income in Belleville is only $43,318, Belleville Township School District 201’s top administrators are making six-figure salaries.