HomeMy WebLinkAboutv - November 12, 2008 (budget) COW
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
SPECIAL MEETING
NOVEMBER 12, 2008
The special Committee of the Whole meeting was called to order by Mayor Schock at 5:08 p.m.
in the Council Chambers. Present: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Kaptain, Steffen,
Walters, and Mayor Schock. Absent: None.
Discussion of the Proposed 2009 Budget
City Manager Folarin opened the meeting by stating the economy, in general, is in bad shape.
He noted that the proposed budget will show how the City is addressing the situation as of this
date. He also stated that, at this time, this budget does not propose a reduction in city services or
an increase in taxes. He said that the economic situation will be monitored and if the economy
continues to deteriorate, changes will be made as necessary.
Assistant City Manager Stegall and Finance Director Nowicki gave a presentation on the
proposed 2009 Budget, a copy of which is attached to these minutes. Mr. Stegall stated that the
budget is balanced, that it conforms to all of the city’s financial policies, and that expenditures
amount to $275,990.840.
Questions asked during the meeting included:
• Councilmember Walters asked if the State of Illinois could impact the city’s share of
state sales tax. Mr. Stegall said they could.
• Councilmember Kaptain asked what affect auto sales will have on the budget. Mr.
Stegall said that the amount of projected sales tax generated from auto sales has been
reduced for 2009 and 2010.
• Councilmember Figueroa asked if the city would use its reserves before raising taxes and
Mr. Folarin stated this would happen only in the case of an emergency.
Mr. Nowicki presented the sections regarding the Central Area T.I.F. and the Riverboat Fund.
Mayor Schock noted that the tenth casino license may be finalized by the Illinois State Gaming
Board within the next two months. Mr. Nowicki said that the non-profit organizations funded by
the River Boat Fund will be impacted with an 18% reduction of funds in 2009.
Mr. Cogley said that the deconversion program will be affected. It was the consensus of the
Council to not pursue the mandatory deconversion program. Mr. Folarin suggested shifting the
first two years of the mandatory funds to the voluntary deconversion program. By consensus,
the Council agreed.
Committee of the Whole
November 12, 2008
Page 2
Councilmember Kaptain stated that those working on the Sustainable Community Project will
first look at what saves the city money.
Mr. Stegall stated that the water rate increase is due mainly to the increased cost of chemicals.
Kyla Jacobson, Water System Superintendent, explained that the Airlite Water Treatment Plant
system will be totally rebuilt beginning in 2009.
According to Mr. Stegall the Sewer Fund will maintain a 2% increase to offset expenditures.
In closing, Mr. Folarin thanked staff for their efforts in preparing the proposed 2009 budget and
the various departments for their contributions to help reduce expenditures.
Adjournment
Councilmember Gilliam made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Steffen, to adjourn the
meeting. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Kaptain, Steffen,
Walters, and Mayor Schock. Nays: None.
The meeting adjourned at 7:12 p.m.
s/Diane Robertson December 3, 2008
Diane Robertson, City Clerk Date Approved