Committee Approved: 11-20-08 BUDGET MEETING JOINT EXECUTIVE & FINANCE LEGISLATIVE STUDY COMMITTEE November 13, 2008 @ 4:00 P.M. COUNTY BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: ABSENT: OTHERS PRESENT: Timothy Riggenbach, Merle Widmer,Robert E. Baietto, Allen Mayer, Carol Trumpe, James Thomas ,Lynn Scott Pearson, Jimmy Dillon, Michael Phelan William R. Prather , Phil Salzer, Brian Elsasser Patricia Hidden-Board Member; Patrick Urich - County Administrator; Bill Atkins – State’s Attorney; Erik Bush, Randy Brunner - Finance Department; Roger Larson -UofI Extension; John King - WMBD Radio
Mr. Riggenbach called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. 2009 Budget Review: Finance Department A motion was made by Mr. Mayer and seconded by Mr. Thomas to approve the budget. Mr. Bush gave an overview of the budget. There was a lengthy discussion on the current economic climate. Concern was voiced as to what happens if the economic climate worsens and it becomes necessary to trim the budget, what would be cut. Mr. Bush indicated the 2009 proposed budget is conservative and consists of a cushion in the Fund Balance and, if necessary, reserves would be used first. At this time, Mr. Bush said the Finance Department will continue to monitor the economic condition. Mr. Urich mentioned that the second economic stimulus money will go into infrastructure projects which will help the job market. From the standpoint of the size of this region, Mr. Urich noted that Peoria County local economy is strong. The motion carried. County State Capital Improvement Grand Fund A motion was made by Mr. Mayer and seconded by Mr. Thomas to approve the budget. It was noted by Mr. Urich that this fund was established to account for grant proceeds from DCEO, and the Keystone loan money is in this fund. The final payment from Keystone is scheduled 2014. He stated that perhaps next year, the County Board needs to make a policy decision about what to do with these dollars. The motion carried. University of Illinois Extension A motion was made by Mr. Thomas and seconded by Mr. Mayer to approve the budget. The motion carried Joint Budget Resolutions: 2009 PeoriaGIS A motion was made by Mr. Thomas and seconded by Mr. Widmer to approve the resolution. It was noted that Management Services already approved it. The motion carried. Mr. Mayer advised that the Election Commission has updated their GIS information. He asked if the Election Commission is working with the County or Tri-
County Regional Planning Commission on this data. (Mr. Urich will check and get back to Mr. Mayer.) Year End Transfers A motion was made by Mr. Mayer and seconded by Mr. Thomas to approve the resolution. The motion carried. Adoption of the Annual Tax Levy - All Funds A motion was made by Mr. Dillon and seconded by Mr. Thomas to approve the resolution. Mr. Urich reviewed the chart and stated that due to inflation, the levy is up; however, the rate has slightly decreased. The motion carried. Adoption of Annual Budget/Appropriation Ordinance for 2009 A motion was made by Mr. Mayer and seconded by Mr. Thomas to approve the resolution. The motion carried. Miscellaneous It was noted by Mr. Urich that Senate Bill 1290, for a public facility tax that would be applicable to the Museum has been sent to the Governor. Senator Koehler indicated that he would urge the Governor to act as fast as possible so the bill can be handle in January veto session. This would allow the County Board to make a policy decision in regards to the Museum issue. The focus is to get a question on the April ballot. Mr. Riggenbach advised that he spoke to County Board Chairman Prather, and Mr. Prather feels the Finance/Legislative Study Committee is the appropriate committee for information on the issue to be channeled. Mr. Baietto said he would like to know how other counties have handled issues similar to the one the Peoria County is facing with the Museum. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:30 pm on motion by Mr. Mayer and second by Ms. Pearson. Recording: Vpearl