Peoria Standard

Peoria County Ways and Means Committee met January 24.

Here is the minutes provided by the Committee:

Members Present: Allen Mayer - Chairman; Brad Harding, William Watkins, Jr., Sharon Williams - Committee Members

Members Absent: Steven Rieker

Others Present: Scott Sorrel - County Administrator; Shauna Musselman - Assistant County Administrator; Jennifer Morris - State's Attorney's Office; Phil Salzer - County Board Member; Eric Dubrowski - Chief Financial Officer; Gretchen Pearsall - Director of Strategic Communications; Beth Derry, George McKenna - Regional Office of Education; Steve Sonnemaker - County Clerk; Tom Bride - Election Commission; Dave Ryan - Supervisor of Assessments; Kristy Clore - Board of Review; Kerry Heiden - Auditor; Edward O'Connor, Nicole Demetreas - Treasurer; Dan O'Connell - Facilities Director; Chad Lucas - Sikich, LLP

Call to Order:

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Mayer at 2:08 p.m.

Approval of Minutes:

A motion to approve the minutes of January 4, 2017 was made by Mr. Watkins and seconded by Ms. Williams. The motion carried.

Informational Items/Reports/Other Minutes/Updates:

County Auditor

Ms. Heiden announced that it has been difficult to complete payment of bills due to the shortage of staff.

County Clerk

Mr. Sonnemaker advised that the Clerk's office is showing an increase over budgeted revenues.

Peoria County Election Commission

Mr. Bride advised that a February 28 Consolidated Primary will be held in the City of Peoria, Township of Peoria, Limestone Township and the Village of Bartonville on February 28, 2017. He stated that early voting and vote by mail begins January 19, 2017, with early voting taking place at both the Election Commission office and ICC North. He commented that work has begun on the Consolidated General Election in April 2017.

Mr. Bride advised that budget constraints have resulted in the reduction and consolidation of polling places. He stated that new voter registration cards will be mailed to any registered voters whose polling places have been affected by the consolidation. He also noted that the changes are detailed on the County website. Mr. Harding considered the consolidated polling places a form of voter suppression and as part of Peoria County's core common services, locations should not be reduced. Mr. Bride reiterated that the reduction is due to budget restraints, and emphasized that the Commission has spoken with and gained the approval of both the Democratic and Republican Party Chairs. He also commented that signs will be placed at previous polling places with the new locations noted, and a press release will be issued with the pertinent information.

Finance

Mr. Dubrowski advised that Sikich, the new external auditor, has begun work on the auditing process. He stated that although the budget has been approved, final documents are being updated for submission to GFOA.

Regional Office of Education (ROE)

Ms. Derry provided an update on activities of the Regional Office of Education:

• High School students were taken to view the move "Hidden Figures".

• Updated committee on activities of the Juvenile Justice Council and Alignment Peoria.

Supervisor of Assessments/Board of Review

• Tax Cycle

Mr. Ryan advised that Senior Freeze Exemption forms were mailed out at the end of December. He stated that the final abstract has been submitted to the State for approval.

• Board of Review

Ms. Clore advised that hearing have been completed, and work has begun on approximately 450 PTAB cases. She stated that approximately 75% of the PTAB cases are commercial.

Treasurer

Mr. O'Connor announced that he will be retiring at the end of January.

Veteran's Assistance Commission

No report.

Resolutions:

• Monthly Delinquent Taxes

A motion to approve was made by Mr. Watkins and seconded by Ms. Williams. The motion carried.

Discussion:

• External Audit

Mr. Lucas advised that preliminary fieldwork, information gathering and interviews have begun. He advised that the auditing team will also be available to answer any questions the Committee or Board might have, and for discussion of any issues or areas of concern to be addressed during the audit planning process. He emphasized that the audit performed is an audit of financial statements and not an audit of internal controls or to identify fraud. He stated that the auditing team will return in May to complete fieldwork. Mr. Mayer advised that the committee will be provided with a copy of the external auditor's Engagement Letter.

Miscellaneous:

Mr. Sorrel advised that City and County staff, as well as area legislators, attended the annual Legislative Breakfast yesterday morning. He stated that he will be representing the County's interest at the NACo Conference. He asked for a consensus from committee on pertinent topics so that he can be prepared and well positioned. He noted several topics that he is prepared to introduce: infrastructure (road/bridges) projects of $3 million or less, lead abatement, the Hanna City Work Camp and CSO (Combined Sewage Overflow) systems.

Adjournment:

The meeting was adjourned by Chairman Mayer at 2:45 p.m.

http://www.peoriacounty.org/download?path=%2Fcountyboard%2FCommittee_Agenda_and_Minutes%2F2017%2FJanuary%2F24+-+Ways+and+Means%2F170124Minutes.pdf