Council questions gift-card charges as it approves $565,924.79 in bills

Council members raised questions about a line item for gift cards on a Heartland Bank Visa statement as the Oglesby City Council approved monthly bills totaling $565,924.79 and related vendor payments.

The discussion began when a council member said a credit-card line for “gift cards” prompted concern because “gift cards are often treated as cash,” and asked whether there was a written authorization process for such purchases. The council asked staff to clarify who authorized the purchases and whether the costs had been included in event appropriations. The mayor said he believed events had overall appropriation authority and proposed adding a dedicated event line in future appropriations so the council could see totals for seasonal activities.

After an extended exchange about past practice and the presentation of full credit-card receipts, a council member moved to approve the bills. The motion carried on a roll call vote. The council also approved payroll for Jan. 30, 2026.

Why it matters: Council members sign off on public spending and pressed staff to make event-related expenditures clearer in future appropriations so vouchers such as gift-card purchases are obvious in the packet. The city clerk said staff will pursue clearer line items for event appropriations and work with departments to document routine event costs.

The meeting record shows the bills were approved on a roll call; members who voted in favor were those present during the roll call recorded in the packet. The council moved on to other agenda items, including presentations on the comprehensive plan and a lengthy personnel-records discussion.