Waterloo finance committee approves travel, routine expenditures and forwards $7.37 million in bills to council

The City of Waterloo Finance Committee on June 15 approved travel and training requests, a slate of pre-authorized routine expenditures and voted to forward $7,368,712.24 in bill payments to the full council for final approval.

The approvals included four travel/training items: OSHA 30 training for multiple departments at the City of Waterloo Hazmat Regional Training Center, July 14–17, not to exceed $5,420; a $1,000 sponsorship for Mayor Dave Boesen to attend the Volunteer Top Teens of the Cedar Valley luncheon in Cedar Falls (dated May 12); and two online trainings for Laquisha Beasley, Housing Authority Director, totaling $1,175 (C Map reporting, $350; HCV financial accounting and reporting, $825). Finance Director Bridget Wood said the mayor’s May 12 sponsorship was brought to the committee later than the event date because “the mayor didn’t get the invoice for it until 2 weeks ago.”

The committee also approved a package of pre-authorizations and routine purchases covering multiple departments. Notable items included Ridgeway Towers kitchen remodel phase two for the Housing Authority ($83,610), a raw wastewater building rehabilitation at the sewer treatment plant ($94,540), and replacement technical rescue gear for the Waterloo Fire Rescue team ($15,457). The committee approved smaller maintenance and software items including crane and hoist inspections ($2,762), an asbestos survey for four city-owned structures ($2,800), pavement-management software renewal ($2,500), a finance parking 2026 Ford Ranger (not to exceed $48,000), convention center overhead door repair ($2,661.25; to be paid by insurance), arbitrage testing for 2023A bonds ($3,500), a fire G2 remote module ($3,765.45 plus $17 shipping), burn building repairs ($13,309.40 plus $452 shipping), DocuSign services for Section 8 (not to exceed $5,000), a pool air-handling supply fan ($3,735), MIS backup licensing ($9,969.25) and Avaya phone-system licensing ($13,362.93), and a Lexipol police training software renewal ($9,102.38).

During discussion a committee member asked why local dealerships had not submitted bids for the finance parking Ranger. Bridget Wood said the local dealerships “did not supply a bid” and explained that garage staff typically circulate specifications (she referenced “Rich in the garage” as the staff member who sends out bid specs), adding that the city often starts with the state’s bid specifications when soliciting prices. The question did not change the committee’s vote, and the pre-authorizations were approved by voice vote.

Votes at a glance - Approve agenda and minutes (June 1, 2026): approved by voice vote. - Travel and training requests (OSHA course; Mayor sponsorship; two trainings for Laquisha Beasley): approved by voice vote; total not to exceed $7,295 (items listed individually above). - Pre-authorization/expenditure items 5–20 (includes crane/hoist inspections; asbestos survey; software renewals; vehicle purchase authorization; convention center repair; bond arbitrage testing; fire equipment and repairs; housing remodels; DocuSign; pool fan; MIS licensing; police training software; sewer rehab): all approved by voice vote. See body for itemized amounts. - Bill payments added and forwarded to full council for approval: June 8, 2026 payments of $2,132,837.45 and June 15, 2026 payments of $5,235,874.79; motion to file and forward approved by voice vote.

The finance committee adjourned following the votes. The forwarded bill payments will be considered by the full city council at its next meeting.