Belleville · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Belleville public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Downtown Business District SSA bonds
Ordinance 9549-2026 would authorize Series 2026 special ad valorem tax bonds for Special Service Area Number Four in the downtown business district.
EDPZ Department vehicle purchase
The city is buying a second SUV for the EDPZ Department after its original dealer, Broadway Ford, went out of business. Clement Ford honored the original price, and the committee waived formal bidding to lock in a 2027 model at $38,570.
Collective bargaining agreements
The council went into closed session to discuss union contracts with Teamsters Local 50 and Laborers Local 459, covering clerical, drivers, and parks workers.
Disposal of surplus Fire Department mower
Old chairs, broken exercise equipment and lockers will be cleared from the Campus so the new football team can access locker rooms and facilities.
Roof replacement at 510/512 West Main St.
A $403,648.71 roof replacement on a city building came in over budget because of its barrel roof and lack of fire rating. Staff say savings from other projects will cover the overage.
$24,000 Activenet software subscription
The Board was scheduled to vote on a one-year subscription software agreement with Activenet Network, LLC for $24,000 — likely the system used for program registration and recreation management.
Economic Development Committee transparency concerns
Alderperson Schneider publicly questioned why a special economic development meeting on the Farmers' Market included only three aldermen instead of the full eight-member committee, noting the committee met only six times in a year.
Downtown parking garage bond preparation
The city took its first formal step toward financing a downtown parking garage by hiring a municipal advisor and bond counsel. Actual bonds would come back to the council later, but this locks in the professionals who will structure the debt.
Outdated parking permit rental ordinance
The permit program still references long-gone parking meters and has no enforcement language for non-payment. It's headed to the Ordinance and Legal Committee, and one member wants it eliminated.
FY2026-2027 City Budget Adoption
Two resolutions adjusted the current year's budget — one moving money between line items and one adding supplemental changes. These housekeeping moves keep department spending aligned without changing the overall total.
Special Service Area Four Established
The council passed an ordinance creating Special Service Area Four, which levies a special tax within the area and authorizes bonds — a financing tool typically used for a specific development or improvement district.
Employee health insurance renewal
The city signed off on agreements with nine unions — police, fire, and general city workers — covering the first $1,050 a month of insurance premiums.