The council moved ahead with up to $42 million in general obligation bonds for streets, parks, fire equipment and more, and up to $18 million for urban renewal, by 7–0 votes.
Approved the hearing resolutions and additional actions for both issues (roll calls 26-1066, 26-1067, 26-1068 and 26-1069), each 7–0. Moved by Gatto, seconded by Voss. Bids are set to be received at a special meeting on Oct 21, 2026. Passed 7–0; no members voted no.
What this means (Tax increment financing (TIF)): Within an urban renewal area, the extra property tax from rising values can be set aside for a period of years to pay for projects or incentives in that area, instead of going to the usual taxing bodies.
How each member voted
| Official | Seat | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| Connie Boesen | Mayor | Yes |
| Carl Voss | At-large | Yes |
| Mike Simonson | At-large | Yes |
| Rob X. Barron | Ward 1 | Yes |
| Linda Westergaard | Ward 2 | Yes |
| Josh Mandelbaum | Ward 3 | Yes |
| Joe Gatto | Ward 4 | Yes |
More from the record
After public hearings, the council took further action on borrowing to pay for the Capital Improvement Plan it approved April 6, 2026. The $42 million essential corporate purpose bonds cover items such as $2,600,000 for fire equipment, $4,000,000 for the Blitz on Blight/Improve Our Neighborhoods program, $3,000,000 for McKinley Avenue, $1,500,000 for park infrastructure and $1,500,000 for residential roadway rehabilitation. The $18 million urban renewal bonds are for projects in the Ingersoll-Grand, Metro Center and SE Agribusiness urban renewal areas, including Principal Park improvements. The Finance Director listed anticipated sales of $60,150,000 (Series 2026A) and $6,750,000 (taxable Series 2026B). Five $1,380,000 general-purpose bond hearings were held the same night (roll calls 26-1070 to 26-1079). Council packet, items 50–51 (saved copy)
The alternative
No other options were presented in the record.
Money
- Who
- City taxpayers, who repay general obligation bonds
- How
- Up to $42,000,000 plus up to $18,000,000 in borrowing. Interest cost: Not in the record.
- When
- Sale planned Oct 21, 2026
- Source
- Council packet, items 50–51 (saved copy)
Getting around and parks
- Who
- People using streets, parks, trails and fire services
- How
- Funds dozens of listed capital projects
- When
- FY2026 to FY2030 Capital Improvement Plan
- Source
- Council packet, items 50–51 (saved copy)
Source Agenda for the whole meeting, items 50–51 (saved copy) · Full minutes for the whole Sep 14, 2026 meeting, p. 9 (roll call 26-1066 to 26-1069) (saved copy) · Resolution and Council Communication, packet pages 541–547 (saved copy)