Alton City Council members approved several financial items this week intended to improve local events and utility payments across the city.
Council members moved to suspend the rules and unanimously pass an ordinance removing the connection between water and garbage payments.
Members also forwarded a multi-year capital improvement plan, approved $100,000 in funding to the Alton Amphitheater for its 2027 season and approved microgrants for two fast-approaching events in Alton.
Several other measures before the council passed unanimously. Two members — Alderman Michael Velloff and Alderwoman and Mayor Pro Tem Stephanie Elliott — were not present at Wednesday’s meeting.
Council members initially approved a resolution removing ties between trash bills and water service payments in the comptroller’s office during an Aug. 25 meeting. The hope is to streamline a system marred by outstanding trash bills of around $1.6 million.
By Sept. 9, the City Council moved to suspend the rules, speeding the new ordinance through the approval process. Council members passed the ordinance with all five members present voting in favor.
City Comptroller Paul Fritsch said his office is still working to provide refunds on overpayments to eligible residents and manage the backlog of bills.
The Alton Amphitheater is also looking to receive an additional $100,000 to help attract performers and improve the 2027 concert season.
Council members approved a resolution in the Committee of the Whole on Tuesday for an additional appropriation to the amphitheater from the city’s Marina Development Fund, commonly known as the hotel tax.
Language added to the resolution made the funds immediately available by instructing the Office of the Comptroller and the Office of the Treasurer to “execute disbursements of funds appropriated effective immediately for talent acquisition” and other items to support the 2027 season.
City Council also approved two Festival and Event Micro Grant Program applications, allocating $1,000 to the Sept. 12 Alton Pride Festival and an upcoming Halloween festival.
Both applications underwent review across city offices, following issues with early applications during the initial, tight first round for applicants this summer.
