City of North Chicago's Personal Meeting Room

The City of North Chicago held a city council meeting on May 4, 2026, which included discussions on various procurement and budget matters. Key procurement-related topics included approval of city bills totaling approximately $751,397, with clarifications on pass-through funds from Lake County for community outreach and rent offsets. The council reviewed the fiscal year 2027 budget, noting a projected 3.5% increase in revenue and a 9.7% increase in expenditures, with detailed discussions on departmental budgets, water revenue and expenditures, and various fund balances including federal forfeiture and state seizure funds. A notable procurement action was the approval of a $9,000 contract with Carlos Smith as a consultant for community days coordination. The council also discussed the establishment of a STAR bond district to incentivize development in the Sheran Crossing area, and the approval of 2026 CDBG public service funds following eight applications. Additionally, the council deliberated on aldermanic budget line items for travel and training, debating an increase from $9,000 to $11,000, with the final decision deferred to the May 18 council meeting. The meeting also covered redistricting of city wards to reflect population changes, with plans to implement new boundaries for the 2027 elections. Motions to approve the omnibus vote agenda and pay city bills were passed by roll call vote.