Rockford Sun

Village of Rockton Budget & Finance Committee met April 18.

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, Jodi May and Justin York

Staff present: Dan Baumgartner (6:40 pm), Tricia Diduch, Chief Hollinger and Michele Prather Also present: Dave Winters

Absent: Dennis Hildebrandt

Motion by Mr. York, second by Mr. Danielson, to waive the reading of and approve the minutes of April 4, 2023. All ayes. Motion approved 3-0.

PUBLIC COMMENT

None.

SPECIAL WARRANT CONSIDERATIONS

None.

RECOMMENDATION OF PAYMENT

Bills were reviewed and recommended for approval in the amount of $218,201.43.

MAYOR PETERSON

Mayor Peterson advised the Committee that there will be significant information technology (IT) expenses coming up and that there are funds left in a restricted account that can be used to pay for those expenses.

VILLAGE TREASURER, DENNIS HILDEBRANDT

Ms. Prather stated that there is enough money to pay the bills and payroll this week.

JODI MAY, CHAIRWOMAN

Ms. May discussed credit card fees for utility bill payments with the Committee. Ms. May stated that the Village absorbs approximately $24,000/year for those paying with credit/debit cards. Ms. May asked the Committee if we should be passing those fees onto the residents. Ms. Prather stated that most municipalities around us are not passing those fees onto their residents. Mr. Danielson said that he doesn’t have a problem passing those fees onto residents, but questioned if the Village would then see more residents paying their bills via check. Ms. May inquired how long it currently takes for the Water Department to process cash and checks and requested that she has a better idea of this by the first meeting in June.

Ms. May advised the Committee that she didn’t have any further information regarding an ATM at Village Hall.

Ms. May stated that she is okay with SENB Bank possibly investing funds for the Village. Mayor Peterson stated that the Village is working on an investment policy before we move forward with anything.

JUSTIN YORK, TRUSTEE

Mr. York stated that the Village is currently looking at a little under $130,000 for changes to information technology (IT) and that there will be a change in operational expenses that will amount to around $2,700 annually. Mr. York stated that he will discuss this further at the Village Board meeting.

SCOTT DANIELSON, TRUSTEE

None.

VILLAGE COLLECTOR, MICHELE PRATHER

Ms. Prather inquired about billing for the new phone system and how that should be coded.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS ALLOWED BY LAW

None.

ADJOURN

Motion by Mr. York, second by Mr. Danielson to adjourn at 6:46 pm.

https://www.rocktonvillage.com/vertical/sites/%7B5EFC50B8-A3D6-48DC-ACA0-E05F307CFA0B%7D/uploads/4-18-23_Budget__Finance_Minutes.pdf