KCC Board Approves Tentative $16 Million Budget, Increases Treasurer’s Bond

The Kankakee Community College Board of Trustees has approved a tentative budget for fiscal year 2026, setting the stage for a public hearing next month. The board also took significant financial action at its June 17 meeting by increasing the college treasurer’s bond by $1 million and approving a major software contract worth over $76,000.

The board unanimously accepted the preliminary budget and scheduled a public hearing for 5 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15, just before its next regular meeting. The tentative budget will be available for public inspection for 30 days prior to the hearing. The motion to receive the budget and set the hearing was made by Trustee Brad Hove and seconded by Vice Chair Michael Proctor.

In a move to increase financial security, the board approved a $1 million increase to the college treasurer’s bond, bringing its total coverage to $16 million. The board’s administration recommended the increase, which was approved following a motion by Trustee Catherine Boicken and a second by Trustee Michael Proctor.

“These actions reflect the board’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and transparency,” Board Chair William Orr said after the votes. “Receiving the tentative budget is a critical step in our annual process, and we encourage the public to review the document and attend the hearing in July. The increase in the treasurer’s bond ensures the college’s assets are appropriately protected as our operations grow.”

The board also awarded a contract for the annual renewal of VMWare software to SHI for $76,359.92. The software is a critical component of the college’s information technology infrastructure. The contract was approved with a motion from Trustee Michael Kick, seconded by Trustee Boicken.

These major financial decisions came as the board approved bill payments totaling $5,124,391.74 for the preceding month. The approved payments included eleven purchase order requisitions exceeding $10,000 each. Among the larger blanket purchase orders were $146,200 for equipment maintenance with Xerox, $138,069 for counseling services with Transformative Growth, and $70,000 for professional services with Sikich LLP.

The board also formally accepted the Reconciled Cash Report for April 30, 2025, and the Investment and Financial Summary Report for May 31, 2025, subject to a future audit. The reports show the college’s total cash and investments as of May 31 stood at over $33.1 million.

The meeting was held at the college’s South Extension Center in Watseka. All board members were in attendance: Chair William Orr, Vice Chair Michael Proctor, Secretary Brad Hove, and Trustees Catherine Boicken, Michael Kick, Eric Peterson, and Todd Widholm.