HomeMy WebLinkAboutk - September 26, 2020 COW specialSPECIAL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
September 26, 2020
The special Committee of the Whole meeting was called to order by Mayor Kaptain at 9:00 a.m.
in the Seigle Auditorium at Elgin Community College's University and Business Center.
Present: Councilmembers Dixon, Gavin, Lopez, Martinez, Powell, Rauschenberger, Shaw,
Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Absent: None. Councilmember Gavin attended via electronic
means. This was allowed with the provision from Public Act 101-0640.
Pre -Budget Workshop between City Council and Staff
City Manager Kozal provided an overview of the topics to be presented and discussed, including
the status of revenue streams, overview of departmental budget proposals and soliciting city
council input on the developing budget.
Mr. Kozal outlined the measures taken by the city to address the COVID-19 pandemic including
employee furloughs, salary reductions and spending reductions. These actions should allow the
city to maintain a flat tax levy again in 2021. He also noted the potential impacts of the
graduated income tax measure on the ballot.
Debra Nawrocki, Chief Financial Officer and Budget Director, provided high level estimates for
the various revenue streams. She noted that the city has made an application to the Kane County
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding to receive $5 million to
reimburse for costs incurred due to the pandemic. Other areas that will help offset revenue
shortfalls included collections of ambulance fees, staff furloughs and pay reductions, as well as
spending reductions.
The decreases to the revenue in the Riverboat Fund caused two projects to be postponed, the
LED Streetlight Project and Dundee Summit Intersection. Other revenue sources projecting a
short fall included the hotel/motel and the motor fuel tax.
The water and sewer fund saw an increase to rates last year. There are concerns about the
growing receivables, up from 5% last year to 12% this year, with 1/3 coming from low to
moderate income homes.
The Police and Fire Pensions contribution for 2021 increased to $5.4 million. The prepayment
from last year should allow that tax levy to remain flat this year.
There was discussion regarding how the CARES funds could be used and the impacts of video
gaming and sports book revenues.
Committee of the Whole - Special
September 26, 2020
Page 2
Aaron Cosentino, Director of Neighborhood Services and Interim Assistant City Manager,
provided an overview of the initial department budget proposal process. He explained it was not
a wish list, but rather a thoroughly vetted request from a department based on certain criteria. He
outlined proposed personnel changes in Community Development, Neighborhood Services,
Police and Fire Departments, as well as Human Resources.
The Council held a recess from 10:10 a.m. — 10:25 p.m.
Mayor Kaptain allowed each city council member to outline their requests for the 2021 Budget.
Items that were discussed included: supplier diversity; affordable housing; internships; economic
development; an environmental audit; full-time sustainability staff member; public health —
county level; and a technology update.
Public Comment
Jeri McCue stated her opinions on disparity studies and continued economic development
outreach.
Sue Webb commented on the Route 20 and Route 31 entry way into the city and the importance
for sports for the youth.
Adjournment
Councilmember Shaw made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Steffen, to adjourn the
meeting. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dixon, Gavin, Lopez, Martinez, Powell,
Rauschenberger, Shaw, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None.
The meeting adjourned at 11:45 a.m.
s/ Kimberly Dewis October 14, 2020
Kimberly Dewis, City Clerk Date Approved