Champaign police chief sworn in, council prepares city budget: Before the Champaign City Council meeting, Robert Finney, the former police chief of Carbondale, Ill., was sworn in as the police chief of Champaign, replacing interim chief John Murphy.

After Finney took an oath of office, Mayor Schewighart presented him with an honorary badge.

At a study session held after the meeting, the council approved preparations for the city budget. It was announced that the budget for fiscal year 2004-2005 will be presented before the council on April 27 of next year.

The council will vote on whether to adopt the budget on June 1, according to a report prepared by city manager Steven Carter.

During the regular meeting, the council voted to make 122 N. Walnut St. and 106 -108 N. Neil St. city landmarks. Council member Tom Bruno suggested that a list of landmarks be made available on the city's Web site.

— Jeff Fijol