Rockford Sun

Village of Rockton Budget & Finance Committee met Aug. 2.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Chairwoman May called the regular meeting of the Budget & Finance Committee to order at 6:30 pm. Members present: Mayor Peterson, Scott Danielson, Justin York, Corine Hughes and Jodi May Staff present: Chief Hollinger and Dan Barber

APPROVAL OF JULY 19, 2022 BUDGET & FINANCE MINUTES

Motion to approve made by Mr. York. Second by Mr. Danielson. Minutes approved, 3-0.

PUBLIC COMMENT

None.

SPECIAL WARRANT CONSIDERATIONS

None.

RECOMMENDATION OF PAYMENT

Bills were reviewed and recommended for approval in the amount of $239,553.63.

MAYOR PETERSON

None.

VILLAGE COLLECTOR, CORINE HUGHES

Ms. Hughes stated that there is enough money to cover the bills this week. She stated she paid off the two loans as directed at the last meeting.

Ms. Hughes then discussed that Euclid Managers, who manages the Village’s dental insurance, stated they are now charging for different types of bill payment. Mr. York questioned how the Village can allow ACH payments without the bill itself going through the board approval process. Ms. Hughes replied that is why she wants to discuss it with the committee. She stated she does pay some bills online by issuing a dummy check for the appropriate paper trail. She added that she would gather more information before the next meeting. She expressed concern that if there are any issues with the bill, the amount would not be able to be adjusted before the ACH payment is processed.

JODI MAY, CHAIRWOMAN

Illinois Rural Water Association (IRWA) Water/Sewer Rate Study – Discussion Ms. May and Mr. Barber described the study, saying the study findings are being reviewed by staff and trustees. Ms. May explained that the water loss is not as bad as it sounds as of the reported approximate 25% loss, there is only truly a 13% as the Village does not charge itself for water used from hydrants and municipal buildings. Mr. Barber added that the EPA standard is 15%, and that most municipalities operate at a 10-15% water loss. Ms. May asked where that missing water is, and Mr. Barber stated it is likely attributable to private service leaks and water main breaks. Mr. York emphasized the need to save for the eventual sewer plant replacement.

JUSTIN YORK, TRUSTEE

Mr. York gave an update on the search for new IT services. He reminded everyone that the Village’s IT services are going to cost much more than budgeted as he believes the Village has not been provided the needed services. He also stated he would like to work with Mayor Peterson on segregating IT as its separate budget area instead of separating into individual departments. Ms. May added that the Village just needs to make sure it follows any pertinent privacy / government data management laws.

Mr. Danielson asked if there are any grants to help with the needed updating, and Ms. Diduch replied that the Illinois Municipal League’s GrantFinder services might have something as it relates to the police department.

SCOTT DANIELSON, TRUSTEE

None.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS ALLOWED BY LAW

None.

ADJOURN

Motion by Mr. Danielson, second by Mr. York to adjourn at 6:52 pm. Motion approved, 3-0.

https://rocktonil.govoffice3.com/vertical/sites/%7B5EFC50B8-A3D6-48DC-ACA0-E05F307CFA0B%7D/uploads/8-2-22__Budget__Finance_Minutes.pdf