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Belvidere City Council accepts clean audit, approves insurance renewal, mutual‑aid membership and appointments
Summary
The council accepted an unmodified (clean) audit from Sikich, approved a $797,217.50 IML RMA renewal, agreed to join the Illinois Public Works Mutual Aid Network, and confirmed two appointments — actions taken during the Oct. 13 Committee of the Whole meeting.
At its Oct. 13 Committee of the Whole, the Belvidere City Council accepted the fiscal‑year audit presented by Sikich, approved risk‑management and mutual‑aid renewals, and confirmed appointments to local commissions.
Nick Bava, principal at Sikich, told the council auditors issued “an unmodified opinion on those financial statements,” calling it a clean opinion for the city’s fiscal year ending April 30, 2025. He reported the city spent $615,000 in state grants and $3,300,000 in federal grants this fiscal year; because federal grant spending exceeded $750,000 the city required a single audit. Bava said auditors found no instances of noncompliance or questioned costs for the tested federal programs. Alderman Peterson moved to accept the audit; Alderman Grama Kowski seconded, and the motion passed by voice vote.
Public‑works items included a report that the city received an IEPA green‑infrastructure grant for the Allen Street Regional Retention and Infiltration Basin. Keck said Entrack Group was awarded the construction contract for $869,992.71 and presented a CES proposal for construction engineering of $56,550 to be paid from grant and capital funds (20% local match).
Finance Director Sarah Turnipseed summarized the Illinois Municipal League Risk Management Association renewal: a 5% increase from last year (an additional $39,306.96) would bring the renewal to $797,217.50; paying early would yield a 1% discount. Councilors noted RMA provides training and services beyond insurance. Alderman Stevens moved to approve the renewal, seconded by Alderman Hoynes; the motion passed on a voice vote.
Keck also recommended the city join the Illinois Public Works Mutual Aid Network (annual dues $250) to improve mutual‑aid response for public works incidents; the council approved that membership by motion.
Mayor presented personnel items: Carl Gunebu was appointed chair of the Belvidere Planning and Zoning Commission (one‑year chair term) by voice vote; Carlos Villarreal was reappointed to the Fire and Police Commission for a three‑year term ending April 30, 2028. The council adjourned at 6:46 p.m.
Votes at a glance: the audit acceptance, the IML RMA renewal ($797,217.50), the Illinois Public Works Mutual Aid Network membership ($250 annual dues), the appointment of Carl Gunebu as P&Z chair, and the reappointment of Carlos Villarreal to the Fire and Police Commission all passed by voice vote.
