City of Dekalb Committee of the Whole met Oct. 28.
Here is the minutes provided by the committee:
A. Call to Order and Roll Call
Mayor Smith called the meeting to order at 5 p.m.
City Clerk Lynn Fazekas called the roll, and the following members of City Council were present: Alderman Carolyn Morris, Alderman Bill Finucane, Alderman Tracy Smith, Alderman Scott McAdams, Alderman Mike Verbic, Alderman Tony Faivre, and Mayor Jerry Smith.
Staff present included: City Manager Bill Nicklas, Assistant City Manager Ray Munch, and City Attorney John Donahue.
B. Approval of the Agenda
Mayor Smith asked whether Council had additions or deletions. None were offered.
MOTION
Alderman Smith moved to approve the agenda. Alderman Faivre seconded.
VOTE
Motion carried 7-0 on roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Finucane, Smith, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Mayor Smith. Nay: none.
C. Public Participation
Dewayne Brown commented on the Finance Advisory Committee’s recommendations for property taxes and fuel taxes. Mr. Brown said he’s against raising the property taxes, fuel taxes, and sales taxes, and says increases will prevent us from being competitive.
D. Considerations
1. Consideration of the Annual Property Tax Levy in the City of DeKalb. Council was presented with 4 options for the levy on paper, specifically:
• “Option 1” is to capture the full growth in equalized assessed value (EAV) and recapture of EAV from Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District 2.
• “Option 2” is to capture 2% of EAV growth, all new construction EAV, and to recapture TIF 2 EAV.
• “Option 3” is to capture new construction EAV growth and to recapture TIF 2 EAV.
• “Option 4” is to levy to cover the full required contribution amounts of the pensions.
Informed that the Finance Advisory Committee (FAC) recommendation and staff recommendation is “Option 2,” Council centered consideration on this option.
Comments included the observation that the City’s tax rate should fall with this option.
Mayor Smith declared a consensus that Council supports proceeding with the recommended “Option 2” at this point, and no Council member expressed an objection.
2. Capital Funding Sources.
Council was asked to consider a recommendation to raise the local (home rule) gasoline tax to assist in attacking a backlog in maintenance of streets.
There was discussion of new technologies to seal and extend the life of roads, and it was confirmed that the gasoline tax could not be used for other capital needs.
Mayor Smith asked Council whether this tax is the best option for streets maintenance and was met with no objection.
E. Adjournment
MOTION
Alderman Finucane moved to adjourn the Committee of the Whole at 5:35 p.m. Alderman Faivre seconded.
VOTE
Motion carried on majority voice vote. Mayor Smith declared adjournment at 5:35 p.m.
https://www.cityofdekalb.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_10282019-1713
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