Blue Island adopts 2026 appropriation ordinance; council flags $10M water-bonding and golf-course arrears

The Blue Island City Council approved the annual appropriation ordinance for the 2026 fiscal year at its March 10 meeting, following a staff presentation that flagged a large water-bonding project and answered aldermen’s questions on departmental reconciliations.

City staff described the appropriation as balanced but said accounting treatment of bond proceeds makes the budget appear to show a $10 million shortfall. “There’s a number of other pieces … it does create things like this over an appearance of a $10,000,000 shortfall, but it is actually not trouble. It’s just the bonding money,” a finance staff member said, noting the bond proceeds are earmarked for water tanks and main replacements.

Council members questioned other budget items, pressing staff on deferred maintenance at the municipal golf course and a multi-year water-billing reconciliation. Lauren (finance staff) confirmed the golf course had paid roughly two years of water bills in a single payment and said staff will present a more detailed business plan and projections at a future meeting.

On routine business, the council approved payrolls (02/27/2026 for $456,674.55 and 02/13/2026 for $478,863.65) and accounts-payable disbursements (checks dated 02/25/2026 for $144,531.30 and 03/11/2026 for $959,927.39) by roll call after brief discussion. The council also approved a promissory note to finance a new ambulance for the fire department.

The mayor proclaimed March 10, 2026, as intellectual and developmental disability awareness day in Blue Island and announced a slate of community events and new local businesses. Staff reminded aldermen to file statements of economic interest and reported progress in collective-bargaining negotiations with municipal unions.

The appropriation ordinance and the regular financial motions were approved by roll call; full minutes and the adopted ordinance language will be posted with the city clerk’s office.