The Rockford Register-Star’s story by Betsy Lopez Fritscher reports Belvidere will be forced to use their utility tax revenues to pay salaries instead of using the funds for road work. Their general fund will be short $845,000 in operating funds so more cuts are necessary. The article excerpt below also points out more problems for Belvidere. Just like Boone County, police cuts are coming.
“Five police officers and four firefighters will be lost in the coming fiscal year. Positions lost to retirements in other departments will not be filled.”
“The potential loss of five police officers would have a dramatic impact on the city’s ability to police our community,” said police Chief Jan Noble after the meeting. “It’s been talked about, but I just wasn’t sure if it was going to be five or four or three. There will be a lot of debate between now and May 1.”
These are things to remember when considering whether we would be better off than Belvidere or Boone County if we were to become a municipality. Vote NO when you receive the incorporation survey that will soon be coming. We need to remain a secure gated community.
Ken Dillenburg