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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/09/2003 FC minutes RAFT FINANCE COMMISSION MINUTES OF THE MEETING JANUARY 9, 2003 VILLAGE HALL BUILDING DRAFT I. CALL TO ORDER The meet'rog was called to order at 7:00 p.m. Those present included Chairman John Korn and Commissioners Charles Bennett, Ann Hull and Ann Smilanic. Also presem were Deputy Director of Finance Carol Widmer and Finance Administrative Assistant Lisa Burkemper. Village Manager Michael Janonis was present until 7:30 and Commissioners George Busse, Vince Grochocinski and Tom Pekras were absent. II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Charles Bennett motioned to approve the minutes of November 7, 2002. Commissioner Ann Smilanic seconded the motion and the minutes were accepted as presented. Commissioner Charles Bennett motioned to approve the minutes of November 14, 2002. Commissioner Ann Hull seconded the motion and the minutes were accepted as presented. III. DISCUSSION REGARDING 2004 PROJECTED BUDGET DEFICIT Before the discussion regarding the 2004 Projected Budget Deficit began Chairman John Korn lead a brief review of several topics discussed at various board meet'rags at the end of 2002. Chairman John Korn began the 2004 deficit discussion by stating that the proposed deficit is currently $1,500,000. Mr. Korn also noted that there is no funding available for the approximately $550,000 needed each year for Capital Improvements. Village Manager Michael Janonis distributed a packet containing the services provided by the various departments within the Village. Mr. Janonis also outlined the Village Boards schedule for discussion of the 2004 Projected Budget over the next few months. Chairman John Korn opened the discussion by asking the commission members if they had any new initiatives they would like to discuss. Chairman John Korn stated that he felt the relocation of Fire Station 14 on Kensington Road should be an item that the Finance Commission should consider during the 2004 Budget discussions. Mr. Korn stated that the estimated cost for construction is $1,500,000 with an additional cost of $800,000 for modifications at the Public Works Facility. Chairman Korn further stated that he would like to know what the budgetary impact would be if this project were to come to fruition. Deputy Director of Finance Carol Widmer stated she would find out what the impact would be. Commissioner Charles Bennett stated that he finds it hard to propose new initiatives when the Village is straggling to balance the budget as it is. Mr. Bennett agrees with Chairman Korn that something needs to be done with Fire Station 14, however since the item appears in the CIP we should first look at fmding funding for the CIP. Commissioner Ann Hull added that she also felt that the Village should not be looking to fund any new initiatives. Ms. Hull stated she felt the economy may not pick up in the next year or two, therefore we should try and maintain what the Village has now and not bring in any new initiatives. here was a consensus among the members who were present to not support the Police Department' s proposed traffic unit and the Fire Department' s proposed fire manning changes outlined in their 5-year plan. Chairman John Korn continued the discussion by asking the members if they had any revenue adjustments they wanted to discuss. Mr. Korn added that he personally would not be comfortable cutfmg any services. Mr. Korn feels the Village should raise revenue through taxes first. Commissioner Charles Bennett stated he felt the home role tax should remain the same, however he felt increasing property taxes or the telecommunication or utility taxes might be beneficial. Mr. Bennett also mentioned that the Village could draw down reserves again, although he was not in favor of it. Chairman Korn added that the Village should use the reserve funds only in an emergency. The Village drew down reserve funds for the 2003 Budget because the economy hit hard, but now the Village can plan for the future and has time to make changes instead of drawing down fund balance again. Commissioner Ann Hull stated that she felt there should be an increase in property taxes in exchange for the elimination of the vehicle sticker. Commissioner Hull added that she would recommend the savings from SWANCC be used for debt service reductions. Ms. Hull added that a raise in the tele:ci)mmunication and utility taxes could be used to help offset the deficit. All members in attendance agreed ~at they would consider the possibility of transferring the $300,000 savings from SWANCC to the general fund. Commissioner Ann Smilanic stated she felt it would be beneficial to cut some services that are in themselves small ticket items, since a number of them would add up to a more significant amount. One example Ms. Smilanic mentioned would be a cut back in the Forestry Division programs. Commissioner Smilanic also recommended a possible limitation in refuse services. Ms. Smilanic suggested limiting each household to one garbage bag per week and charging for additional bags through the sale of refuse stickers. IV. CHAIRMAN' S REPORT Them was nothing to report. V. FINANCE DIRECTOR' S REPORT Deputy Director of Finance Carol Widmer distributed copies of the 2003 Budget to the Finance Commission members. VI. OTHER BUSINESS There was nothing to report. VII. NEXT MEETING: JANUARY 23, 2003 Commissioner Ann Smilanic motioned to adjourn which Commissioner Charles Bennett seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for January 23, 2003. Respectfully submitted, Lisa Burkemper Administrative Assistant Finance Department 2