DeKalb – At its Monday meeting, the DeKalb City Council approved a new five-year agreement with DeKalb Community Unit School District 428 to continue the city’s school resource officer (SRO) program. The council also moved forward with several major infrastructure projects, including a $2.94 million water service line replacement and new purchases for the city’s transit division.

SRO Contract

The council unanimously voted to approve the renewal of the existing contract with DeKalb School District 428, which will continue to provide city schools with five school resource officers until 2030.

Under the terms of the agreement, two officers will remain assigned to DeKalb High School, one officer assigned to Clinton Rosette Middle School, another officer assigned to Huntley Middle School and the fifth officer assigned to all of the city’s elementary schools.

The school district will continue reimbursing the city for 75% of the officers’ salaries, benefits and related costs. City officials also noted that the updated agreement essentially maintains the structure first introduced in 2022, which aimed to increase student safety and improve coordination and communication between the schools and local law enforcement.

Recent police reports showed a slight overall decrease in incidents at DeKalb schools compared to the previous year, particularly at the middle school level.

“The officers are doing a great job and the program is working as it’s intended,” Police Chief David Byrd said. “But even more important than that is that they’re mentors to the youth and to District 428.”

Lead Service Line Replacement 

The council awarded a $2.94 million contract to Five Star Energy Services to replace up to 260 lead and galvanized water service lines throughout the city. The project will be funded by a principal forgiveness loan from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, meaning the city will not have to repay the grant amount.

Engineering Enterprises, Inc. will oversee the construction phase under a separate $290,952 professional services agreement also approved Monday.

“It just goes in line with the quality that we’ve gotten in the city of DeKalb, and this continues the tradition,” said Mayor Cohen Barnes during the deliberation.

Transit Vehicles

Council members also approved the purchase of two new vehicles for the city’s transit division. The city will spend up to $64,180 to purchase a 2025 Ford Escape SUV and a 2025 Ford Maverick truck from Morrow Brothers Ford through a state contract.

The vehicles will be used to support transit staff operations and maintenance activities, especially as the city prepares for the opening of its new transit maintenance facility. The purchase is funded through the transit budget and will not impact the city’s general fund.

One of the vehicles will replace an older 2020 Chevrolet Traverse, which is currently in use. The vehicle will be transferred to the city’s IT department for further maintenance and service.

Other Ordinances 

The council approved a 3.8% increase to the city’s water rates, an adjustment tied to the consumer price index to keep up with inflation.

Under the new rate, the average DeKalb household will see a roughly $1.60 increase on their monthly water bill, bringing the average monthly charge to about $43.93. City staff stated that the rate adjustment is necessary to maintain funding for routine maintenance and future capital projects, including water primary replacements and system upgrades outlined in the city’s water infrastructure plan.

In a series of smaller approvals, the council amended the fiscal year 2024 budget to reflect higher-than-expected utility tax revenues and increased costs tied to major road and bridge projects, including work on Peace Road and Lucinda Avenue.

The council also created a new no-parking zone on the west side of Normal Road near the Dr. Leroy A. Mitchell Elementary School. The change aims to improve pedestrian safety for students and families by clearing the area near a newly installed raised median.

Before adjourning, the council also honored Alderman Greg Perkins, who is leaving office after serving from 2019 to 2025. A proclamation was also issued recognizing May 4, 2025, as International Firefighters Day in DeKalb.

The next City Council meeting will take place at 6 p.m. May 12 in the DeKalb Public Library.