Rockford Sun

Village of Rockton Budget & Finance Committee met Oct. 1.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Chairman Winters called the regular meeting of the Budget & Finance Committee to order at 6:30 pm. Members present: Mayor Peterson, Sally Bennett, Scott Danielson, Connie Kieffer, Jodi May and Dave Winters

Staff present: Dan Barber, Dan Baumgartner (6:40 pm), Tricia Diduch, Chief Hollinger, Atty. Szeto (6:37 pm) and Justin York

Motion by Ms. May, second by Mr. Danielson, to waive the reading of and approve the minutes of September 17, 2024. 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 $155,382.03.

MAYOR PETERSON

Mayor Peterson stated that he reached out to Dawn Peters from the Illinois City/County Management Association (ILCMA) in reference to assisting the Village with the process of hiring a Village Administrator. Mayor Peterson said that Ms. Peters referred him to John Phillips from the ILCMA and that he is currently out of town, but that he would like him to come to the Administration Committee meeting on November 4th. Mayor Peterson stated that he was sent a guideline about hiring a Village Administrator and that he will forward that email to everyone.

Mayor Peterson advised the Committee that the sale of the Lucky Dogs building fell through and he inquired if the Village should reduce the number of video gaming boutique parlors from three down to two. The Committee agreed that they should wait until the sale of the property is finalized before making any decisions.

VILLAGE TREASURER, SALLY BENNETT

Mrs. Bennett stated that the Village has a whole year to worry about the 1% grocery tax and this can be discussed at a later time if necessary.

Mrs. Bennett advised the Committee that she is currently working on prepping for the audit and that she noticed that the loan for the Public Works building is a balloon loan coming due in 2025. Ms. Bennett stated that the loan started at $2.4M and the current balance is $1.8M. Mrs. Bennett said that she set up a meeting with First National Bank to discuss what can be done with the loan.

Mrs. Bennett added that there’s a possibility of rates going down for CDs and that she wants to inquire more about this. Mrs. Bennett said that there are Illinois funds ($6M) that the Village can use to invest, but she’s not sure how much so she is going to talk to First National Bank about this as well.

Mrs. Bennett stated that she spoke with Atty. Szeto about the agreement letter with Mr. Elliott to provide accounting services to the Village. Mrs. Bennett stated that verbiage was added to the agreement that addressed services for after the first of the year and a signature line was added as well. Mrs. Bennett stated that Atty. Szeto was okay with the amended letter and that Mayor Peterson signed it.

DAVE WINTERS, CHAIRMAN

Mr. Winters inquired about the road tax ordinance and Atty. Szeto stated that it doesn’t need to be passed until March 2025. Mr. Winters stated that the Village needs to send the new ordinance after its passed and advise the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) to discontinue the old one.

JODI MAY, TRUSTEE

None.

SCOTT DANIELSON, TRUSTEE

None.

VILLAGE COLLECTOR

Ms. Kieffer reviewed the gaming/vending spreadsheet with the Committee and stated that the Village’s gaming revenue decreased since Lucky Dogs closed, but that FIBS is going to be putting in six gaming machines soon. Ms. Kieffer added that she needs to check into vending machine stickers for Rockton Grade School, Stephen Mack Middle School and Walmart.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS ALLOWED BY LAW

None.

ADJOURN

Motion by Ms. May, second by Mr. Danielson, to adjourn at 6:45 pm.

https://rocktonil.gov/vertical/sites/%7B5EFC50B8-A3D6-48DC-ACA0-E05F307CFA0B%7D/uploads/10-1-24_Budget__Finance_Minutes.pdf