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Council adopts ordinance to put budget-timing charter amendment on June ballot; several routine items approved
Summary
Council adopted Ordinance 1551 to place a Charter amendment on the June 2 ballot to allow changes to the city's budget timing, and approved several routine items including a street special assessment, consent agenda, and a bucket-truck purchase.
At its March 2 meeting, the Vermilion City Council approved Ordinance 1551 to place a Charter amendment on the June 2, 2026 ballot that would allow the city to alter the timing of its budget adoption to conform with recent state law changes. Jose explained that the amendment itself does not change the budget process but would allow residents to vote to permit future council action to alter timing.
Because this was a second reading, the council conducted a roll-call vote. The motion to adopt Ordinance 1551 for placement on the ballot was moved by Councilor Holland and seconded by Councilor Price; the roll call recorded nine yays and zero nays.
The council also approved several other items during the meeting:
- Special assessment for North Car Street improvements: Staff reported the assessed portion totaled $381,000 versus an earlier staff estimate of $387,000; Councilor Holland moved approval, Councilor Lever seconded, and the motion carried by voice vote.
- Consent agenda: Included invoices, fuel quotes, a resolution authorizing sale of city real property (Jolly Edition final plat), a $25,000 request from the Vermillion Area Chamber Development Company toward an east-side facility plan study, and purchase of a joint-powers solid-waste loader; moved by Councilor Cheeseman, second by Councilor Price; passed by voice vote.
- Purchase of new small bucket truck for Light & Power: Staff recommended buying an Altech AT37G-40 for $190,760 now because of price increases and long lead times; the 2027 equipment replacement fund includes $110,700 for the purchase, staff estimates selling the old truck for roughly $70,000; Councilor Genuine moved approval, Councilor Cheeseman seconded and the motion carried.
The meeting concluded with the city manager’s reports on upcoming commission meetings, the SECOG Safe Streets for All grant public comment period, a reminder of property tax appeal deadlines and a Boys & Girls Club raffle fundraiser.
Votes at a glance (as recorded in the transcript): Ordinance 1551 (place charter amendment on June ballot) — roll-call vote 9–0, approved. North Car Street special assessment — approved (voice vote). Consent agenda — approved (voice vote). Award lowest design proposal for Highway 50 utility crossing — approved (voice vote). Annexation and notice to electric cooperative — approved (voice votes). Bucket truck purchase — approved (voice vote).
