HomeMy WebLinkAboutSeptember 02, 1986 COW Committee of the Whole Meeting
September 2 , 1986
A Committee of the Whole Meeting was held on September 2 , 1986 ,
at 5 :20 p.m. , in the lower level of the Hemmens Building. Members
present : Councilmen Andersen, Gilliam, Moylan, Shales, Van
De Voorde, Waters and Mayor Verbic. Absent : None.
Discussions re Watch Elgin - Integrated Capital Budget Proposal.
Terry Jones, Chairman of the Sterring Committee stated the Integrated
Capital Budget is a citizens ' response to the problems facing
the City of Elgin which have long been identified by citizens .
A program to correct Elgin ' s problems has now been drawn by
105 citizens contributing 3 ,000 hours of time, working through
seven committees, in an effort to prioritize the projects ' significance
in relationship to citizens and community needs, to make a realistic
assessment of their costs, and to provide a plan to fund them.
The program is in keeping with the character and preferences
of the community. "Pay as you go" is its basic philosophy. It
seeks to avoid dependence on property taxes and, to the extent
possible, bonded indebtedness and payment for debt services.
The committees appointed to evaluate City of Elgin capital require-
ments have reviewed $139, 862 . 030 in projects. These projects
were identified by City staff, citizens, committee members and
other governmental bodies.
After careful consideration, the committees have reported to
the Steering Ciommittee and for the last two months, we have
worked to shape and develop a program to rebuild Elgin and prepare
for the growth which we face. This program is now proposed to
total $71,474 , 120.
The committees have identified various sources of existing funding
which total more than $38, 300, 000 . The balance of $33 , 200, 000
is proposed to come from the following sources .
a) Five percent utility tax on gas, electric and telephone systems
which will provide $3 , 700 , 000 per year.
b ) Five cents per gallon gasoline tax to be linked to street
maintenance which will provide $1, 750, 000 per year.
c) One-half cent sales tax which would provvide a net $2 , 200, 000
aafter collection expenses per year.
d) Institution of sewer service fees linked to sewer system
maintenance which would provide an estimated $600, 000 annually
for capital expenditures and $300 , 000 for operations .
Committee of the Whole Meeting
Spetember 2 , 1986
Page 2
e ) One-tenth of one percent real estate transfer tax which would
provide $50, 000 annually.
The Council then listened to a presentation by the Chairman
of each committee.
Several Gas stations owners were present in opposition to any
increase in gasoline taxes, and Elmer Hansen protested a utility
tax.
Councilman Gilliam made a motion, seconded by Councilwoman Shales
for the Council to set another meeting to discuss financial
priorities and finance procedures. Yeas: Councilmen Andersen,
Gilliam, Shales, Van De Voorde, Waters and Mayor Verbic. Nays:
Councilwoman Moylan.
Adjournment
Councilman Gilliam made a motion, seconded by Councilman Andersen
to adjourn this meeting and to reschedule another meeting on
September 15th, at 5 :00 p.m. Yeas: Councilmen Andersen, Gilliam,
Moylan, Shales, Van De Voorde, Waters and Mayor Verbic. Nays:
None.
Marie Yearman, City Clerk
Note: Tapes recording this entire meeting are available.