The Rockford City Council on Monday approved a slate of finance items including contract awards for water-division electrical services, purchases of fire apparatus and ambulances, insurance renewal and grant appropriations.

Council action included: award of annual electrical-service contracts for the water division (estimated annual contract amount $125,000 through Dec. 31, 2025, with up to four one-year renewals); approval to purchase a ladder truck (a one-time capital purchase of $7,285,000 funded through capital lease funds and the Fire Department capital budget); purchase of four ambulances ($1,539,084, one-time purchase funded through capital lease funds and the Fire Department capital budget); a renewal of workers’ compensation excess coverage for 2025 at an annual premium of $246,925; an appropriation of MST funds for region planning in the amount of $91,308.49; and acceptance of an Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) 2024 memorandum of understanding with Winnebago County totaling $322,910 (60% city / 40% county).

Director Hegarty explained the budgeting approach for long-lead capital purchases, noting the city requests approval to order equipment now and budget the expense in the fiscal year when vehicles are received. "We will budget the expense ... the lease revenue offsetting the purchase will also be budgeted in that fiscal year," Hegarty said. The council approved the items by roll call; the clerk announced 12 ayes.

Council also placed the lead service line replacement Phase 1 contract out for new bids rather than approving an award at this meeting.

The items draw on capital lease funds, the Fire Department capital budget and other dedicated funds specified in staff memos. The legal director was asked to prepare any required ordinances or contract documents.

Votes at a glance: roll call recorded 12 ayes for the package of finance items considered at the Jan. 6 meeting.