The Belvidere Wire
A first draft of the public record.
Vol. 1 · No. 4 · Monday, October 5, 2026
State's Attorney seeks salary boost to stem attorney departures
The State's Attorney requested 5% raises for six attorneys and larger increases for three senior positions, citing recent departures to better-paying government jobs in Rockford and McHenry County. The office is down one felony prosecutor since May and 25 cases ahead of last year despite the vacancy. Comparisons show Boone attorneys earn $20,000 to $50,000 less than neighboring counties.
COTW – Administrative & Legislative · Oct 1, 2026
School district bond sale public hearing scheduled
The Belvidere school board was scheduled to hold a public hearing on selling 18.5 million dollars in fire prevention and safety bonds. The bonds would fund safety improvements across district buildings. The hearing was set as part of the board's September 21 meeting, giving residents an opportunity to comment before any final authorization.
Board of Education · Sep 21, 2026
District final budget set for board review
The school board was scheduled to review and vote on the final budget for the 2026-2027 school year following a public hearing. The board also planned to consider superintendent goals focused on eliminating the budget deficit, implementing a facilities master plan, and improving graduation rates and academic achievement across the district.
Board of Education · Sep 21, 2026
Equestrian facility approved for Mallard Point subdivision lots
The committee rezoned three combined lots on Saddle Path Road to allow a private equestrian facility with attached residence for three to six horses. Chairman Johnson requested staff explore horse number limits and waste management requirements based on best practices, expressing concern about future property owners. The 4.75-acre property will house a single-story residence with tack house and small indoor arena.
COTW – Administrative & Legislative · Oct 1, 2026
Police applicant background reviews scheduled
The Board of Fire and Police Commissioners was set to hold a special meeting to review background investigations of police applicants and authorize polygraph examinations for candidates. The commission also had bills payable and a police chief's report on its agenda for review.
Board of Fire & Police Commissioners · Sep 22, 2026
Board policy revisions scheduled for second reading
Six board policies were set for final approval votes, covering public participation at meetings, communicable disease protocols, student suspension procedures, school assignment and transfers, student building use, and accommodations for individuals with disabilities. The policies had previously received first readings and were scheduled for adoption.
Board of Education · Sep 21, 2026
Board advances solar farm subdivision near Winnebago line
The committee approved a preliminary plat for State Solar subdivision on the south side of Route 20 at the Winnebago County line, subject to 11 staff conditions. The applicant's engineer has been working through technical recommendations. The approval moves the solar project forward through the county's subdivision review process.
COTW – Administrative & Legislative · Oct 1, 2026
Health department marks 60th anniversary with open house
The Boone County Board of Health was scheduled to hear a report on the health department's 60th anniversary open house at its September meeting. The board was also set to receive updates on flu shot programs and an upcoming free flu clinic, along with routine financial reports and approval of minutes from several August meetings.
Board of Health · Sep 28, 2026
Health board scheduled October executive session
The Boone County Board of Health was set to enter executive session at its October 2 meeting, with possible public actions to follow. The agenda did not specify the reason for closed session. Public comment was available for residents who completed a form, limited to two minutes each.
Board of Health · Oct 2, 2026
Amended bylaws carried over from previous meeting
The board was set to consider amended bylaws for the Zoning Board of Appeals that had been carried over from its previous meeting. The agenda did not specify what changes to the bylaws were under consideration.
Zoning Board of Appeals · Sep 22, 2026
Rezoning request for three Mallard Point lots
The Zoning Board of Appeals was scheduled to review a request to rezone three lots in Mallard Point Subdivision from single-unit dwelling to residential exurban district. The case included letters of support, a replat, and a natural resources inventory among the supporting materials submitted for the board's consideration.
Zoning Board of Appeals · Sep 22, 2026
Rezoning for three Mallard Point Subdivision lots
The Regional Planning Commission was scheduled to consider rezoning three lots in Mallard Point Subdivision from single-unit dwelling to residential exurban district. The rezoning would affect lots 19, 20, and 21, all located on Saddle Path. Materials submitted included a replat, natural resources inventory, and letters of support.
Regional Planning Commission · Sep 22, 2026