Peoria Standard

City of Chillicothe Finance Committee met March 29.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

The Finance Committee met on March 29, 2025, at 8:00 a.m., in the council chambers at City Hall for the Budget Workshop

Present Finance: Chairman D. White, Alderperson Sharp, Alderperson Semtner

Also Present: Mayor Hughes, Alderperson Connor, Alderperson T. White, Office Manager Passage, ED Director Beadles, Chief Cooper, Superintendent Sutherland.

Also Present: Nominated Alderperson Gehrig

Chairman D. White called the meeting to order 8:00 a.m.

PUBLIC COMMENT

No public comment

PURPOSE

Budget 25-26

Chairman D. White called the meeting to order. He stated the purpose of the meeting was to review the proposed Fiscal year 25-26 budget.

Office Manager Passage gave an overview of the proposed budget for fiscal year 25-26. A review of the potential areas of revenue in all funds that increased and decreased was held. A review of expenses in all funds was held. After discussion the consensus was to increase the line item promotions in the EDC general fund budget by $500.00 and increase the wage sections of the budget affected by the public works contract by 1%.

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 list of projects that were submitted was reviewed. Alderperson T. White stated that the project - City Park sidewalk for $40,000 submitted for the parks department may be removed as it is no longer necessary. The consensus was to remove the project - City Park sidewalk.

Chairman D. White discussed the facade project listed in the general fund economic development section. He stated that with the revision of the façade program by adding the language that rear entrances will be allowed to qualify for the façade project, he recommended that an additional project façade rear be added in the amount of $10,000.00 to the general fund economic development project section. The consensus was to add the line item façade- rear in the amount of $10,000.00 as stated above.

Superintendent Sutherland ask if Engineer Horton had requested additional money be added for the Cloverdale - ppuats project. Office Manager Passage stated that she had not been advised of any additions from Engineer Horton or Superintendent Sutherland.

Office Manager Passage gave an overview of the revenue for the Water/Sewer Fund. The revenue was increased due to the water rate increase that went into effect in July 2024. A review of revenue and expenses still show that the water fund could have a deficit of approximately $90,387.00 without doing any projects. However; it did show that the reserve funds could cover the potential deficit and projects. A review of the projects showed that projects over the next three years increase substantially. Chairman D. White stated that the water rates are set to increase again in July 2025. However; the public works committee could review to see if the rate of increase could be decreased or the increase could be deferred to a later date or to proceed as the ordinance was passed. Office Manager Passage advised that any changes that would be consider for the water rate increase would need to be voted on before July, 2025.

After discussion of the 25-26 full budget it was the consensus to have Office Manager Passage make to recommended changes and proceed with presenting the budget for approval.

SUMMARY

Council Agenda Items - Budget 25-26

Chairman Actions - nothing

The finance committee budget workshop adjourned at 9:19 a.m.

https://cms9files.revize.com/chillicothe/03.29.2025%20finance%20budget%20workshop.pdf