Janesville council approves up to $500,000 to finish Boys & Girls Club facility

The Janesville Common Council on Monday approved an agreement to provide up to $500,000 from the city's undesignated fund balance to help complete construction of a new Boys & Girls Club facility at 925 South Jackson Street.

Rebecca Veamm, chief executive officer of the Boys and Girls Club of Janesville, told the council the 35,000-square-foot project will triple the organization's capacity, add a dedicated teen center and commercial kitchen, and extend affordable after‑school care to more local families. She said construction costs have risen to more than $12 million and the club already serves hundreds of children with a waiting list topping 100.

City Manager Kevin Lehner and staff explained the city's contribution would be applied as a final "last dollar" reimbursement. The city previously supported the project with ARPA funds, a pay‑it‑forward grant and the donation of a three‑acre site; the $500,000 would be paid after the club submits verified invoices and the city’s designee confirms eligible expenses.

Council member Williams moved approval of the agreement; Council member Miller seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

The city manager cautioned that the city’s favorable 2025 finances made the payment possible and said this may be the last time the city can use undesignated fund balance for large capital grants. The agreement before the council requires invoice verification by the city prior to payment.

The council did not set a specific disbursement schedule in the meeting; staff said payments will follow review of submitted construction invoices and verification by the city manager or a designee.