HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/29/2002 FC minutes RAFT
FINANCE COMMISSION
MINUTES OF THE MEETING
AUGUST 29, 2002
VILLAGE HALL BUILDING
DRAFT
I. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. Those present included Chairman John Korn and
Commissioners Charles Bennett, George Busse, Vince Grochocinski, Tom Pekras and Ann Smilanic.
Also present were Village Manager Michael Janonis, Assistant Village Manager Dave Strahl, Director of
Finance Doug Ellsworth, Deputy Director of Finance Carol Widmer and Finance Administrative
Assistant Lisa Burkemper. Commissioner Ann Hull was absent.
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Tom Pekras motioned to approve the minutes of July 25, 2002. Commissioner Charles
Bennett seconded the motion and the minutes were accepted as presented.
The minutes of June 27, 2002 were deferred until the September 26, 2002 meeting.
III. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
Chairman John Kom highlighted the topics discussed at the board meetings that have taken place
recently.
Chairman John Kom mentioned that the financial booklet the Historical Societypresented to the Finance
Commission shows a line item of $3,800 in interest accrued. Mr. Korn felt the Finance Commission
members might have overlooked the information and felt it should be pointed out.
IV. REVIEW OF 2002 BUDGET TO DETERMINE NoN-ESSENTIAL BUSINESS
Chairman John Korn began the discussion by suggesting the commissioner's first discuss possible
reductions in expenditures and then discuss possible increases in revenues. Village Manager Michael
Janonis further suggested that the commissioner's begin their discussion by looking at items in the
general fund.
A letter from Commissioner Ann Hull, who was absent, addressed to the Finance Commission, was
distributed to the members. The letter contained her recommendations regarding the non-essential
business discussion.
Commissioner Vince Grochocinski asked how much money is currently in the reserve fund. Finance
Director Doug Ellsworth stated there was $8,000,000. Commissioner Charles Bennett asked if the
commissioner's should consider using some of the reserve funds to offset the budget deficit. Mr.
Ellsworth stated that if the village did borrow from the reserve fund the village would have to somehow
find money to replenish what was borrowed to keep the fund at its regular value. Mr. Ellsworth added
that the reserve fund's intended use is for emergencies and not for.regular budget deficits.
There was a lengthy brainstorming session regarding what items the commission members would like to
discuss further at the next scheduled meeting on September 26th. The list compiled by the members is
attached as Exhibit 1.
. FINANCE DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Mr. Ellsworth distributed a letter addressed to the Finance Commission from resident Dennis O'Meara
of 105 Cathy Lane. The letter contained a proposed real estate property tax relief suggestion. With a
motion by Commissioner George Busse, seconded by Commissioner Charles Bennett, the Finance
Commission acknowledged the letter and decided to take it under consideration and further directed the
Finance Commission's Secretary, Vince Grochocinski to respond to the letter. The motion was carded.
VI. OTHER Busrr,mSS
Them was nothing to report.
VII. Next Meeting: September 26, 2002
Commissioner Tom Pekras motioned to adjourn which Commissioner Charles Bennett seconded. The
meeting was adjourned at 9:55 p.m. The next meeting will be September 26, 2002.
Respectfully submitted,
Lisa Burkemper
Administrative Assistant
Finance Department
2
Exhibit
POSSIBLE DEFICIT REDUCTION ACTIONS
1. Direct charge for refuse service. Increase General Fund tax levy.
2. Eliminate the village's leaf program.
3. Eliminate non-municipal funding, such as the Historical Society, Fireworks, Memorial Day
Parade, etc.
4. Make the Building Division a profit center.
5. Reduce Human Services budget by 25%.
6. Extend all infrastructure maintenance cycles.
7. Extend vehicle replacement schedules.
8. Eliminate non-essential community/civic services, such as Holiday Decorations, 4th of July
Parade, Winter Parade, Special Events, Blood Donor Program and Summer Block Party.
9. Eliminate or Modify shared cost programs: Tree Replacement and Sidewalk Replacement.
10. Index salary increases to inflation.
11. Extend computer replacement schedule from four years to five years.
12. Modify/Reduce Forestry Program.
13. Eliminate Corridor Improvement Program.
14. Impose hiring freeze.
15. Reduce overtime expenditures. $986,500 budgeted for 2003 in the General Fund.
16. Eliminate accrued sick time and vacation buy-back programs.
17. Eliminate cable television services,
18. Increase telecommunications and utility taxes. Current rate: 3.3%.
19. Eliminate vehicle sticker; replace revenue with other source (i.e. property taxes).
20. Impose ambulance fee for residents.
21. Increase home rule sales tax by one-quarter of one percent.
3