Council approves first reading of FY2026 appropriation ordinance, schedules July public hearing

The Lake Forest City Council approved the first reading of the fiscal 2026 appropriation ordinance on June 16 and scheduled a public hearing and final vote for July 21, the finance director said.

Finance Director Katie Skibb explained that the appropriation ordinance is a statutory spending authorization distinct from the budget adopted in April; it establishes maximum legal spending limits and must be filed with the county clerk within 30 days of final approval. The ordinance includes a 10% contingency per fund (a longstanding practice), excludes debt service payments that are covered by bond ordinances and includes the library’s amounts and a placeholder for School District 67’s budget, which will be incorporated for the July final reading and roll‑forward amounts for prior fiscal year projects.

Skibb said the city will present a detailed schedule of rollover amounts and vendor/project line items at the July meeting. The council moved, seconded and approved the ordinance first reading by roll call vote: Alderman Novot, Alderman Clemens, Alderman Powers, Alderman Laverne, Alderman Weber, Alderman Walther and Alderman Knowles voted aye (7‑0). The July 21 meeting will include the required public hearing and final adoption vote.