City of Sandwich Budget Committee met Feb. 11.
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
Alderman Kreinbrink called the meeting to order at 4:30pm
Roll call was taken:
Present: Alderwoman Erickson, Alderman Ketchum, Alderman Chunn, Alderman Kreinbrink, and Administrator Penman
Also Present: Chief Senne, EMA Director Tony Eberle, Alderwoman Inman and Accounting and Financial Analyst Angela Seville
New Business:
1. Approve the Budget Committee Meeting minutes from February 4, 2026 —
Administrator Penman made the motion to approve the minutes as presented and Alderwoman Erickson 2nd the motion – All in favor via voice vote.
2. Review preliminary budget staff has compiled for the Committee
Chief Senne presented the Committee with a quick overview of the Department’s mission and values, along with the vision of the Department as well which focused on the growth and development of the Department as a whole. Chief Senne also presented the Preliminary Police Budget, which is 14.74% higher than last year’s budget, which the required CBA increases, an additional officer for the KCPAT program, and finding to continue social worker services to Sandwich.
Chief Senne explained that the additional officer would be placed within the Kendall County Cooperative Police Assistance Team. This team is comprised of state, county, and local law enforcement contributors who pool their resources to participate as multi-jurisdictional group. Their purpose is to combat trafficking of illegal narcotics, controlled substances, dangerous drugs, gun crimes, and gang related crimes. This team would also assist local law enforcement agencies with investigating general criminal incidents, major crime investigations, and would assist other jurisdictions with requests for assistance. Chief Senne pointed out that at one time Sandwich had an officer placed in this position, but due to funding, this officer was removed and placed back on the Sandwich roster.
Chief pointed out that there have been incidents over the past couple of years where if having participated in this group, his Department would have been assisted in closing cases sooner and potentially identified them prior to becoming as large as they did.. Chief Senne explained that over the past couple of years there have been large drug confiscations, gang concerns, and other situations which are exactly what this team targets to keep the citizens safe. It was also pointed out by the Committee that even though Sandwich appears to be a calm community, there are still situations in the background which arise and need to be delt with in a proactive versus reactive approach.
Chief explained that the current Social Worker program is working very well. There are noticeable call reductions for some of the frequent individuals who call for service but are social/psychological in nature and don’t require a Police response. The current program has funding through a grant. The intent is to seek grant funding again, but in the event, there are no grant dollars allocated, Chief Senne wanted to account for this to keep the program moving in a forward direction.
DeKalb dispatching was discussed. The current rate will go up 3% this year, and it appears that a new contract will be presented later for a 4-year period with an estimated 3% increase each year to cover wage increases.
On the capital side of the budget, it appears that the generator replacement will have some expenses from the current budget and will have some carryover into the new budget. Timing for bidding and installation of the unit have taken a little longer than anticipated. Also tied to capital is the bond payment, vehicle lease program, and an architectural line item to obtain a sally port concept design for the public safety center.
EMA Director Eberle provided the committee with an overview of where his volunteer organization is currently, activities and services they provide to the community, and concluded with a presentation of his upcoming budget. Director Eberle pointed out that there were several issues he identified in the utilities section of the budget which needed to be addressed. Although low dollar value related, a 33% increase in utilities was identified and now properly accounted for. Director Eberle is looking into why there are two phone line charges and hopes to be able to lower this cost by moving forward with possibly disconnecting one of them.
The construction buildout of the EMA area at the public safety center is still in motion. There are currently funds remaining from a previous grant, but those funds will most likely not cover all that is left to do. A suggestion was to made to apply for the TC Energies grant again and see if funding could be obtained through them.
The EMA budget is 10% higher but consists of an overall increase of just $2,775.
General discussion took place on whether the police vehicle lease should remain in the capital budget or be moved into the O&M budget. The final consensus was to leave it in the capital due to the dollar value, this is where we have historically placed this purchase category, and that it has more visibility for everyone.
Financial Analyst Angela Seville informed the Committee that there is an account in the budgeting structure currently that is inactive but could be activated to create a vehicle/equipment fund for future uses. This was a concept discussed previously, and the Committee asked staff to evaluate further. The question was asked on whether the Committee wanted to activate this account or not. The consensus was yes, and that each department should have their own line item within this account and a dollar amount will be determined at a future Committee meeting.
Angela also informed the Committee that Wes Levy would be attending the budget meeting on the 25th. Wes will be in the office for his monthly in person visit with staff and would be attending to answer any questions we may have.
3. Discuss next steps of budgeting cycle to ensure timeline is on target –
Everything appears to be lining up as anticipated with the budget schedule so far. There was a request to move the next meeting, which will be Wednesday, February 18th to 3:30pm to accommodate a scheduling conflict with staff. The Committee agreed that the meeting time would now be 3:30pm on the 18th.
General conversation took place regarding the best approach would be for providing the rest of the City Council with what has been presented as well as future presentations took place. After discussing, it was determined that Administrator Penman would send out the proposed budgets as presented, any support documents discussed, as well as the minutes from the respective meetings to the rest of the Council once the meeting minutes were approved. The thought process here is that information will be more readily available to everyone sooner, and if any questions come up, they can be directed to the Committee.
Old Business –
1. None
Audience Comments —
1. None
Adjournment-
There being no further business to come before the Committee, a motion made by Alderwoman Erickson and seconded by Alderman Ketchum to adjourn were made. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote at 5:51pm
https://www.sandwich.il.us/media/4336
