HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/22/2024 FC MinutesFINANCE COMMISSION iY mnt Thn±��xsct
MEETING MINUTES
Thursday, February 22, 2024
Executive Conference Room — 31d Floor, Village Hall
Mount Prospect, IL 60056
Call to Order
Meeting called to order at 7:01 p.m.
Commission members present: Kenneth Arndt, Trisha Chokshi, Pam Bazan, Vince
Grochocinski and Don Ocwieja
Commission members absent: Edward Derfler
Staff present: Director of Finance Amit Thakkar and Deputy Director of Finance Jennifer
Fitzgerald.
II. Approval of Minutes
a. Motion by Ken Arndt seconded by Vince Grochocinski to approve the minutes of the
Finance Commission special meeting of January 25, 2023.
Chair Chokshi called a voice vote.
Motion Passed unanimously.
III. Citizens to be Heard
None
IV. Old Business
Finance Director Amit Thakkar discussed the work plan for the coming year. Commission
Chair Chokshi asked if there were any additions. No edits were suggested. Motion for
approval of the work plan was made by Commissioner Grochocinski and seconded by
Commissioner Arndt. Approved unanimously.
V. New Business
a) Finance Director Thakkar provided pension updates. The fiscal year 2022 was not a
good year for investment returns and the Village reported significant investment losses
(unrealized). The pension funding ratio went down from 70% to 54% during 2022.2023
investment performance came out better than expected. Finance Director provided
financial statements for both pension funds. He mentioned that the Fire Pension Fund
made 14.6% while the target was 6.75%. The police pension fund made 12.8% while
target was 7%. Unfunded liability number will come in April when the actuary report is
completed. Finance Commissioners asked about various questions involving state
legislative updates and changes in the surviving spouse pension benefits and Mr.
Thakkar provided answers to those questions.
There was general discussion regarding Police and Fire pension benefits and possible
legislation that would enrichen tier 2 pensions benefits. Pensions is the most critical
issue now and a focus for 2024.
b) Finance Director also provided updates on the Elk Grove Rural Fire Protection District.
Finance Commission Page 1 of 2 1/25/2024
The fire district went out of business in October 2023. The Village and Elk Grove
Township filed a suit in the court and all parties agreed to a court -supervised
settlement agreement. The settlement agreement provided building and all assets to
the Village in return of Fire and EMS services to the unincorporated area through July
2024. The Settlement agreement also asks to transfer all excess funds to the Village.
The Special Service Area is already adopted by the Village and will collect $1.0 million
in levy starting year 2025. The Village currently is serving along with Elk Grove Village
and City of Des Plaines. The are that the Village is responsible (willow -way mobile
home park) generates 52 calls. Additionally, when the Village responds on a tollway,
the tollway reimburses $500 per call. There is a referendum on the ballot for March for
the rural dissolution. If the referendum failed, the Village will have to chose a legislative
route. Currently, the Village acquired the fire station 11 and is working on its renovation
plans.
c) Finance Director Thakkar also provided updates on the monthly financial report for the
month of December and discussed cash balances, revenues, expenses and fund
balances for the Village. Financial report was reviewed from December 2023 with the
understanding that it does not include accrual and year end entries. Unaudited fund
balance was reported at $38.9 million and was 45% of the annual budget. Real estate
transfer tax was at 60% of what it was in 2022.
VI. Any Other Business
None
VII. Chairperson's Report
None
VIII. Finance Director's Report
None
IX. Next Meeting:
March 28, 2024
X. Adjournment:
Motion by Commissioner Ocwieja seconded by Kenneth Arndt to adjourn the meeting.
Chair Chokshi called roll call vote.
Motion Carried unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m.
Finance Commission Page 2 of 2 1/25/2024