Bettendorf City Council unanimously adopts FY2025-26 budget, approves transit, street and bridge measures; first reading of sign ordinance passes

Bettendorf City Council on April 15 unanimously approved the fiscal year 2025–26 budget and certification of taxes and a slate of routine but citywide measures including a FY2026 state transit assistance grant application, the 2025 full depth patching program, a contract for the Devil's Glen Road bridge approach work, and the first reading of an amendment to the city's sign ordinance.

The budget resolution passed on a roll call vote following a short public hearing. “We have unanimously approved the 2025 budget and certification of taxes,” Mayor Robert Gallagher said after the roll call. Council member Norman moved the budget resolution; a second was recorded. The council recorded unanimous aye votes from Brown, Nauman, Sechsor, Aiden, Palczynski, Adamson and Jaeger.

The council then opened and closed a public hearing on the FY2026 state transit assistance funds application and approved a resolution to submit the application. Council member Brown moved the resolution; the vote was unanimous.

Public works items approved included the city99s annual full depth patching program and a plan/specification/contract resolution for replacement of the bridge approach pavement on Devil's Glen Road over Duck Creek. Public-works director Brian Schmidt told council the Devil's Glen work will keep one lane open in each direction and is expected to take about two weeks. Council members moved and seconded the respective resolutions and approved both by unanimous roll call votes.

Council also held the first reading of an ordinance amending Bettendorf City Code Title 11, Chapter 14 (sign ordinance). Director of Community Development Mark Hunt noted the change focused on banners and billboards in the TBK area; Lamar Advertising participated in the public hearing to request future consideration of digital signage in Betplex. Council member Baden moved approval of the ordinance at first reading; the council voted unanimously to pass first reading.

The meeting closed with the consent agenda approved unanimously and an adjournment.

Votes at a glance - Resolution approving and adopting FY2025–26 annual budget and certification of taxes: mover Council member Norman; second recorded; roll call recorded as Brown (Aye), Nauman (Aye), Sechsor (Aye), Aiden (Aye), Palczynski (Aye), Adamson (Aye), Jaeger (Aye). Outcome: approved unanimously. - Resolution approving FY2026 application for state transit assistance funds: mover Council member Brown; second recorded. Outcome: approved unanimously. - Resolution approving 2025 full depth patching program: mover Council member Palczynski; second recorded. Outcome: approved unanimously. - Resolution approving plans/specifications/contract for Devil's Glen Road over Duck Creek bridge approach and joint replacement project: mover Council member Jaeger; second recorded. Outcome: approved unanimously. Project note: one lane open each direction maintained; estimated two-week work window. - Ordinance (first reading) amending Bettendorf City Code Title 11, Chapter 14 (sign ordinance): mover Council member Baden; second recorded. Outcome: first reading passed unanimously. - Consent agenda: approved unanimously.

Why it matters: Adoption of the budget and certification of taxes sets city spending and tax levy levels for the coming fiscal year. Approval of the transit-application resolution allows the city to pursue state operating support for transit. The street- and bridge-related approvals authorize work affecting traffic and maintenance of city infrastructure. The sign-ordinance amendment advances regulatory changes affecting development and signage in business corridors.

Meeting context: most items drew limited discussion; public hearings were opened and closed with no public speakers for the budget, transit application, patching program or bridge project. The sign ordinance hearing included a public comment from a representative of Lamar Advertising.