HomeMy WebLinkAboutp2 - August 12, 2017 COW special SPECIAL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING August 12, 2017
The special Committee of the Whole meeting was called to order by Mayor Kaptain at 9:00 a.m.
in the Hemmens Cultural Arts Center, North Lobby. Present: Councilmembers Dixon, Dunne,
Gavin, Martinez, Rauschenberger, Shaw, and Mayor Kaptain. Absent: Councilmember Powell
and Steffen.
City Manager Kozal provided a brief overview of items to be discussed during the meeting. Mr.
Kozal noted that this was a learning session and no policy determination would be made at this
time.
2018 Budget
Aaron Cosentino, Senior Management Analyst, presented information regarding the overall City
budget. Mr. Cosentino, provided an overview on the different funds noting each fund’s
expenditures and revenues. He also reviewed the types of restrictions on expenditures in various
funds. A copy of this presentation is on file in the City Clerk’s office.
There was discussion about the Parks and Recreation Department’s method to achieve certain
ADA program requirements by contracting with Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association
(NISRA ). Mr. Cosentino provided scenarios on how making cuts would impact the current
service. Making repeated cuts would lead to a continuous decrease in service levels. To
maintain stable services, modest increases are required. There was discussion regarding the
impacts of personnel, benefits, and pension costs on the budget.
Also discussed was the impact of future commercial and residential development on revenues
and expenditures. It was anticipated that the results of the citizen survey would be used to learn
if the current level of services are acceptable to the residents.
The Council held a recess from 10:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
River Boat
Laura Valdez-Wilson, Senior Management Analyst, provided information regarding the River
Boat fund. Ms. Valdez-Wilson noted the sources of revenues and the types of expenditures that
come from this fund. The three revenue sources for the fund are: the land lease, a 5% tax on the
gaming receipts, plus a one dollar per patron admissions tax. A copy of this presentation is on
file in the City Clerk’s office.
Committee of the Whole
August 12, 2017
Page 2
There was a review of the city’s policy on how the riverboat funds are used. Examples of types
of expenditures from this fund are vehicle replacements, road improvements, and neighborhood
grants. There was discussion regarding the decrease in revenue from the River Boat and the
impact of this change.
Budget Timeline and the Levy
Debra Nawrocki, Chief Financial Officer and Budget Director, provided a month by month
timeline for the budget process and how the levy is determined. Ms. Nawrocki noted that the
levy has been flat since 2015 and determining this year’s levy would require information that
was not yet available. She highlighted the policy establishing the 30% funding level in the
reserve fund allows the city to make necessary payments while waiting for property taxes, and
other revenues, to be received. Last year a portion of the reserve fund was used to balance the
General Fund. This practice to balance the General Fund will not be a viable option in the
future.
There was discussions regarding the police and fire pension funds investment returns and the
funding levels required by the state. Also discussed was the impact of the state passing a budget,
and utilizing the citizen survey results to determine service levels.
Adjournment
Councilmember Dunne moved, seconded by Councilmember Shaw, to adjourn. Upon a roll call
vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dixon, Dunne, Gavin, Martinez, Rauschenberger, Shaw, and
Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None.
The meeting adjourned at 11:43 p.m.
s/ Kimberly Dewis August 23, 2017
Kimberly Dewis, City Clerk Date Approved