Peoria Standard

City of Chillicothe Finance Committee met March 11.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

The finance committee met on March 11, 2023, at 7:30 a.m. for the budget session workshop. Present: Chairman Vanbruwaene, Alderperson Bredeman, Sharp, Connor, Braun, Jenkins, Mayor Hughes, City Clerk Byrnes, Police Chief Cooper, Superintendent of Public Works Sutherland, ED Director Beadles, Office Manager Passage.

Also Present: Don White

Absent: Alderperson Gould and Alderperson Gehrig

Chairman Vanbruwaene called the meeting to order at 7:32 a.m. He stated the purpose of the meeting was to review the potential Budget for fiscal year 23-24.

Office Manager Passage gave an overview of the proposed budget for fiscal year 23-24. A review of the potential areas of revenue that increased and decreased was held. A discussion was held regarding the following items that were included in the proposed budget:

The increase in wages, benefits, and utilities have been addressed in the proposed budget as submitted by supervisors.

There are no expenses placed in the proposed budget regarding garbage service, as at this time it is still under consideration. She stated that a cost for new employee was placed in the project section of the budget.

Office Manager Passage explained that projects are not considered as operating expenses. All projects must be brought before the council for approval for consideration before they can proceed. the projects were reviewed.

A discussion was held regarding the water/sewer operation and maintenance fund. This fund will be using revenue from the Improvement and Extension Account to help fund the expenditures of the wells. A discussion was held regarding the potential increase in expenses due to locating of leaks and the potential cost to repair the leaks. Office Manager Passage stated there is approximately $430,000 of water/sewer infrastructure costs that will be potentially funded by ARPA funds. She stated there should be future joint meeting with ED Committee and Finance to discuss the use of ARPA Funds. ARPA funds will also be used to supplement the drainage grants, for the drainage project west of town.

Office Manager Passage advised the committee that TIF Central Business had closed April 2022 and she was advised that the city would not receive any property tax revenue in 2023. She explained at last years budget session it was estimated that the city could potentially receive four months of revenue from property tax, 2022 payable in 2023, however; the county has confirmed that we will not be receiving property revenue in 2023. It was discussed how to fund the potential short full of revenue show in the 23-24 budget. The consensus of the committee and members present was to allow the Economic Development Committee review and make appropriate changes at their March Economic Development committee meeting.

A discussion was held regarding adding a project in the General Fund -Economic Development Department for a potential mural. It was the consensus of the committee and members present to add a project of $5,000 to the General Fund - Economic Development for a mural.

Office Manager Passage stated that the proposed budget will be revised and then presented for approval at the last meeting in March or the first meeting in April.

Chairman Vanbruwaene thanked all present for their work on the proposed budget.

There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 9:00 a.m.

https://cms9files.revize.com/chillicothe/03.11.23%20budget%20workshop.pdf