North Cook News

Village of Palatine Business Finance & Budget Committee met Oct. 28.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

I. ROLL CALL – Time: 9:00 AM

Attendee Name	Title	Status	Arrived
Jim Schwantz	Mayor	Present
Tim Millar	District 1 Councilman	Absent
Scott Lamerand	District 2 Councilman	Present
Doug Myslinski	District 3 Councilman	Present
Greg Solberg	District 4 Councilman	Present
Kollin Kozlowski	District 5 Councilman	Present
Brad Helms	District 6 Councilman	Present

Also Present:

Village Clerk Marg Duer, Village Manager Reid Ottesen, Deputy Village Manager Hadley Skeffington-Vos, Village Attorney Patrick Brankin, Director of Community Development Mike Jacobs, Director of Public Works Matt Barry, Police Chief Dave Daigle, Fire Chief Patrick Gratzianna, IT Director Larry Schroth, Director of Finance Paul Mehring, and Director of Human Resources Pam Jackson, Accounting Manager Sara Sadoski, Deputy Police Chief Bill Nord, Police Commander Angelo Calanca, Deputy Fire Chiefs Scott Mackeben and Anthony Lavacchi

II. AGENDA ITEM 

I. Consider a Discussion of the CY 2024 Proposed Budget & Capital Investment Plan - 

Councilman Lamerand, Chairman of the Business, Finance & Budget Committee, called the meeting to order, with a roll call and the Pledge to the Flag. He thanked staff for the effort that went into preparing the budget that will allow the Village to provide the highest caliber services within a responsible and balanced budget.

He noted that the budget is a projection document, anticipating the unexpected such as COVID in 2019, three major consecutive snowstorms, emergency events--thus the budget necessarily must be a dynamic overview with careful planning to have reserves to address such issues. Councilman Lamerand credited staff for the creative planning with ability to provide exceptional core services and respond to surprises.

Village Manager Reid Ottesen presented a brief overview of the CY 2024 Proposed Budget, taking pride in the strong and prosperous post-COVID position of the Village.

With a steady focus on becoming debt free, Ottesen recognized the impending transformation of leadership through anticipated retirements in the coming years, and the Council's commitment to succession planning.

Referencing the State's fiscal affairs, inflationary pressures, and limited global supply chain shortages, Ottesen's approach to the 2024 Budget is with tempered optimism and caution.

Ottesen credited the extraordinary dedication of all employees for successfully navigating recent lean years due in large part to the State imposing unfunded mandates. Fortunately, the 2024 Proposed Budget includes some positive personnel changes, technology expansion, recodification, fire training, executive recruitment, pensions, and insurance. Ottesen concluded with the CY 2024 Proposed Budget & Capital Investment Plan totaling $142,735,843, a 7.38% increase from 2023, and stated that over the past twelve years, the Village's property tax levy has grown a mere 3.3%.

The following Department Heads presented their CY 2024 Proposed Budgets.

Police Chief Dave Daigle reported a 3.48% increase in the Police Budget totaling $27,516,630 for 2024.

Initiatives and impacts:

* Monitor effectiveness of LPR cameras

* Expand Traffic enforcement

* Expand Uniform Tactical Unit

* Establish Gang and tactical intelligence with other suburban departments * Continue new model of Police Social Work

Councilman Lamerand asked about the criminal events that occur in neighboring communities and move into our community. Chief Daigle stated the Police are focusing particularly on gangs in conjunction with neighboring departments.

Fire Chief Gratzianna reported a 12.97% increase in the Fire Budget totaling $25,623,190 for 2024.

Initiatives and impacts:

* Implement a reserve staffing fund for long-term injuries and illnesses 

* Return training to pre-pandemic levels through additional budget allocation 

* Prepare for upcoming ISO evaluation and recertification

* Work with JEMS, develop and execute an Emergency Management full-scale disaster exercise,

* Oversee construction of Fire administrative office at Station 82

Public Works Director Matt Barry reported a 3.03% increase in the Public Works Budget totaling $21,869,585 for 2024.

Initiatives and impacts:

* Pursue land for southern elevated water storage

* Expand sewer proactive maintenance

* Commence LED street light conversion

Other Departments: Ottesen summarized a 4.37% increase in other department budgets totaling $9,633,095.

Initiatives and impacts:

* Recodification of Code of Ordinances

* Approval and implementation of Comprehensive Land Use Plan and Downtown Infrastructure and Streetscape Plan

* Complete evaluation and, if appropriate, implementation of Dundee/53 TIF District

* Continue review of Public Safety Pension supplemental payments and performance

* Successfully implement the Zoning and Code Compliance position and program 

* Implementation of Electronic Data Management solution

* Represent Village interests in ongoing discussions and negotiations related to Chicago Bears relocation

Ottesen reviewed the 2024 proposed Non-Operating Expenses & Capital Investments, including Buildings & Facilities, Storm Water Management, Right of Way Improvements, Sanitary Sewer System Improvements, Streets, Technology, Vehicles & Equipment, Water System.

CAPITAL BUDGET 

Expenditures 

Finance Director Paul Mehring provided an overview of Other Non-Operating Expenses including Casualty/Liability Insurance Administration, Pension Benefits & Administration, Other Personnel and Insurance Services/Charges, and Transfers.

Mehring noted the following Non-operating Expenses particularly the $33 million reinvested in the Community CY 2010-2024 from TIF Surplus Rebates to School Districts 15, 211, 512, Palatine Park District, Library, and Village.

Ottesen concluded, announcing the Budget Review Schedule: Budget follow-up, if necessary: Monday, November 6

Public Hearing: Monday, November 20

Adoption of Budget & Tax Levy: Monday, December 4

Budget documents are available in the Clerk's Office and on-line at www.palatine.il.us

III. ADJOURNMENT – Time: 10:50 AM

Adjourn the Village Budget Hearing - Motion Carried by Voice Vote 

RESULT: MOTION CARRIED BY VOICE VOTE [UNANIMOUS]  MOVER: Brad Helms, District 6 Councilman SECONDER: Kollin Kozlowski, District 5 Councilman AYES: Lamerand, Myslinski, Solberg, Kozlowski, Helms ABSENT: Millar

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