HomeMy WebLinkAboutvv - November 16 Special Meeting-Budget
SPECIAL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
November 16, 2005
The special Committee of the Whole/Budget meeting was called to order by Mayor Schock at
5:15 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Present: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Kaptain,
Rodgers, Sandor, Walters and Mayor Schock. Absent: None.
Continued Presentation and Discussion of 2006 Budget and 2006-2010 Financial Plan
Assistant City Manager Stegall and Fiscal Services Director Nowicki continued the presentation
of the 2006 Budget and 2006-2010 Financial Plan with a review of the Riverboat Fund projected
revenue and new 2006 projects proposed to be funded with riverboat revenues. Proposed rates,
projected revenue, and proposed new projects for 2006 regarding the Water and Sewer Funds
were also reviewed.
Mr. Stegall outlined the reasons for and importance of weaning away from reliance on riverboat
revenue for things that most municipalities pay for out of the General Fund such as street
projects, city vehicles, spring garbage pickup, etc.
Fiscal Services Director Nowicki explained the purpose of issuing bonds to pay for capital
projects by spreading the debt out over the period of time the capital improvement will be used
by future taxpayers.
The proposed budget anticipates adding six police officers and one detective by increasing the
Telecommunications Tax by one percent. In response to Council’s direction at the November 9
budget presentation, City Manager Folarin presented three alternative options for funding the
additional Police Department personnel and the disadvantages of each option. Chief Womack
was asked to outline what it would mean if the requested officers and detective are not approved
in the budget. She stated that calls for service in the current year have increased by 3.1 percent,
so not adding police officers would mean an increase in response times and/or reduction in
services.
Discussion was held regarding the following:
• The necessity of the number of proposed additional police officers versus the City
compromising by approving fewer officers
• The alternative options for funding the additional police personnel versus taking the
difficult and often unpopular step of raising the Telecommunications Tax
• Distribution of funds in the Riverboat Fund versus funding certain items from the
General Fund
• Possibility of reducing the City’s match in managers’ 401(B) retirement plans
• Importance of and impact to the community of addressing and providing for quality of
life and safety issues
None of the proposed alternate funding options were approved. Mayor Schock pointed out that
Special Committee of the Whole
November 16, 2005
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the City of Elgin has reined in spending in recent years, and there is no fat left to cut from the
budget. The City cut 13 positions in 2003 and eliminated another 11 positions as part of its early
retirement program last year, so this is definitely not the first option the City considered.
Councilmembers stated their reasons for supporting and opposing the proposed tax increase.
Councilmember Gilliam made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Rodgers, to direct staff to
move forward with the proposed budget, including the addition of six police officers and one
detective to be funded by a one percent increase in the Telecommunications Tax. Upon a roll
call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Gilliam, Rodgers, Walters, and Mayor Schock. Nays:
Councilmembers Figueroa, Kaptain, and Sandor.
Mayor Schock asked whether the Council is interested in having staff look into the possibility of
funding an animal control officer by requiring dog owners to pay for dog licenses. Discussion
was also held regarding the possibility of prohibiting residents from owning pit bulls because of
other municipalities’ recent incidents involving pit bulls.
Staff was directed to explore the entire animal control issue for future consideration by the
Council.
Councilmember Walters asked that a feasibility study for a “Ravinia-like” plan for Wing Park be
conducted. Mr. Stegall said that he would explore the possibility of having that added to the
scope of the study regarding the feasibility and financing for a new performing arts center.
City Manager Folarin acknowledged the contribution of all the people involved in the budget
process. Mayor Schock also expressed the appreciation of the Council regarding all their hard
work and long hours.
Adjournment
Councilmember Gilliam made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Sandor, to adjourn the
meeting. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Kaptain, Rodgers,
Sandor, Walters and Mayor Schock. Nays: None.
The meeting adjourned at 7:12 p.m.
s/Dolonna Mecum November 30, 2005
Dolonna Mecum, City Clerk Date Approved