Council forwards budget amendment to raise two public-works salaries

The Belvidere City Council committee on Dec. 22 voted to forward an ordinance revising the fiscal year 2026 budget that raises two public-works salaries.

Director of Finance Turnipseed told the committee the proposed amendment would increase the assistant public works director's salary to $114,000 and set the street, water and sewer superintendent's salary at $106,000. "I would request a motion to forward the ordinance revising the fiscal year 2026 budget reflecting the increase of the salary of the assistant public works director to 114,000 and the street water sewer superintendent to 106,000," Turnipseed said.

Alderman Gramkowski pressed the administration on why the proposal used fixed figures instead of a salary range tied to experience. Turnipseed and administration representatives said the city previously used a matrix with ranges but moved away from it after the recession; restoration of a step/range system would carry additional long-term costs.

A motion to forward the ordinance was made by Alderman Peterson and seconded by Alderman Hoyness. The mayor called for voices on the motion and declared it passed.

The committee also reviewed the council's budget calendar: department requests are due and the mayor and director will meet with departments in early January; a budget meeting is scheduled for Feb. 21, 2026, with first reading planned for March 16 and a public hearing and second reading on April 6.

The committee did not adopt the ordinance on final reading; forwarding means the proposal will proceed through the formal budget-review schedule for additional committee and council consideration.