Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/24/1999 FC minutesFINANCE COMMISSION Minutes of the Meeting June 24, 1999 1. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. Those present included Chairman John Korn and Commissioners John Engel, Vince Grochocinski, Tom Pekras, and Ann Smilanic. Also present were Finance Director Douglas Ellsworth and Deputy Finance Director Carol Widmer. Commissioners George Busse and James Morrison were absent. II. Approval of Minutes — Meeting of June 3, 1999 The minutes were approved as presented. III. Discussion Regarding 2000 and 2001 Budget Mr. Ellsworth advised the members of the Finance Commission that staff is looking for clear direction as to the Year 2000 Budget. In particular, recommendations as to services to be added or cut, advice on the level of the property tax increase, and whether Commission members support requests for additional staff positions were the critical issues. Mr. Ellsworth mentioned that four new positions that were included in the Year 2000 forecast budget. Those positions were an EMS Coordinator in the Fire Department, an administrative analyst in the Manager's Office, an maintenance worker for the Public Works Department, and the addition of a full-time employee and reduction of one part- time employee in the Finance Department. Discussion began with the Human Services Department. Ann Smilanic noted that the mentor program (summer camp) was serving 112 children this summer and has been very successful. Although the Village received only $45,000 of the $60,000 grant that had been expected. Ann supported the program and its continuation in the Year 2000. After further discussion, all of the members of the Finance Commission supported the continuation of the summer camp on the South side of town, even if the grant does not pay for the entire cost. Upon review of the request for additional staff in the Finance Department, the members of the Finance Commission indicated that they supported the upgrade of a part-time customer service clerk to full-time. They also support the expenditure of funds for office partitions and furniture for the Finance Department. These items are currently in the CIP. The Commission had no recommendations or comments on the Police Department Forecast Budget. John Engel did ask several questions regarding the issues of accreditation and training in the Police Department. This discussion was prompted by the recent problems in the City of Chicago regarding the use of weapons by police officers. In discussing the proposed Public Works Department Budget, Ann Smilanic expressed concern regarding the possibility of a 12% increase in the water and sewer rates to fund repairs and maintenance of the combined sewer system. The repairs are scheduled to begin in the Year 2001 and approximately $750,000 is projected to be spent each year for approximately four years. John Korn expressed concern as to how those projects would be funded if an increase did not take place. During the discussion members of the Commission suggested that the project could be deferred until such time as some of the flood control projects are paid for and then direct that funding source to the combined sewer system. The Public Works Department had originally indicated the need for a new electrician in the Proposed Year 2000 Budget and then there was mention of a maintenance worker instead of the electrician. John Korn and John Engel both supported the addition of a maintenance worker citing the need to maintain our facilities. After further discussion the members of the Finance Commission voted to defer taking a position on the staffing request until additional information is received during the budget meetings. The Finance Commission had no recommendations regarding the Community Development Forecast Budget. They did raise some questions which they hoped to have addressed during the budget meetings: Tom Pekras asked if the permit process has improved; Ann Smilanic wanted to know if the forms themselves have improved; and John Engel wanted to know how the new Plans Examiner position is working out. The members of the Finance Commission restated their opinion that the maximum amount that should be spent on the building is the amount that would be spent to demolish the building. The Fire Department's request for an EMS Coordinator was discussed. Ann Smilanic asked for clarification as to the responsibilities of that position. After further discussion, the Finance Commission concurred with the request from the Fire Department for the EMS Coordinator. Mr. Ellsworth recapped the Capital Improvement Projects (CIP). He stated that most of the projects are continuations of on-going programs and that upon reviewing the sources of funding on the summary page of the CIP, most of the funds are able to support the projects on an on-going basis. The members of the Finance Commission turned their attention to the tax levy. Mr. Ellsworth noted that the four proposed positions and a 4% increase in the tax levy are reflected in the Year 2000 budget. Both Tom Pekras and John Korn recommended that the tax levy increase 4% in addition to requirement for the new Fire Pension mandate recently passed by the State of Illinois. The general recommendation with regard to property taxes from the Finance Commission is to keep the taxes as low as possible. The Commission did not feel comfortable recommending a set percentage because taxes might have to be increased to fund the enhanced Fire Pension benefits and further information is needed. Vince Grochinski thanked the Department Directors for their time and effort in working with the Finance Commission. He stated that in his opinion the Village is a cost efficient operation and he is happy with the way the Village is run. IV. Other Business John Korn asked that commission members not receive a call to remind them of the meeting. Instead, he asked Commissioners to call Doug Ellsworth if they are unable to attend a scheduled meeting. V. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 9:35 p.m. A joint meeting of the Village Board and the Finance Commission is scheduled for July 27. The next meeting of the Finance Commission is scheduled for August 26 at 7:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Carol L. Widmer Deputy Finance Director