City of Sandwich City Council met April 10.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
Mayor Olson called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM
Roll call was taken:
Present: Mayor Olson, City Clerk Ii, Aldermen Chmielewski, Dell, Kelleher, Killey, McMahon, Redden & Robinson
Alderman Surratt was absent
Also Present: Chief Bianchi, Director of Public Works / City Engineer Horak, EMA Director Ciciora, Water Superintendent Voelkel, Jeremy Moss, WSPY Reporter Jim Wyman; & Ward 4 Alderman-Elect Fred Kreinbrink
Wes Levy and Jennifer Yaggie, representing Lauterbach & Amen, were present to answer questions on the proposed 2019-2020 budget. Wes Levy focused attention on the newly formatted budget that was more understandable and that consolidated the Audit, Tort, IMRF and Forestry funds into the General Fund. Additionally, the 911 and School Crossing Guard funds have been collapsed into the General Fund for the Police Department. The Vehicle Fund has been consolidated into the Capital Improvements Fund.
The budget for Admin was updated increasing the police commission expenses as well as building maintenance to include City Hall canopy repair and Opera House window replacements. The budget for EMA was also amended to reflect new siren equipment. After adjustments, expenditures totaled $8,716,328 and revenues totaled $7,337,538. It was noted as a concern that the City currently has a $9 million reserve and at one time had a $12 million reserve.
The new police station, estimated at a cost of $4.3 million, was not figured in the budget. Although some aldermen felt the City should move forward with the plans, the question was raised if the City could afford to repay a loan. Wes Levy suggested improvement stages to keep costs under control.
The police pension fund was briefly discussed. Last year, the City’s Actuary, Tim Sharpe, was suspended by the American Academy of Actuaries for under valuating police and fire pensions.
Questioned if there was a problem by the actuary’s suspension, Wes Levy said the City has not following the actuary’s recommendation for some time. The police pension fund is currently funded at 55-60% and must be 100% funded by 2040. Wes Levy also added that the police pension fund debt would not impact the City’s borrowing power.
The tentative 2019-2020 annual budget will be available for public viewing on Thursday, April 18th. Another budget meeting will be scheduled for Monday, April 15th, time to be determined.
Adjournment: There being no further business to come before the Committee, motion made by Alderman Robinson and seconded by Alderman Redden to adjourn the Budget Meeting 7:39 PM. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.
http://www.sandwich.il.us/minutes/bud041019.pdf
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