City of Elgin Committee of the Whole met August 12.
Here is the minutes provided by the Committee:
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.
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.
http://www.cityofelgin.org/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/5559
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