Rockford Sun

Village of Rockton Budget & Finance Committee met Jan. 7.

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 and Dave Winters Staff present: Dan Barber, Dan Baumgartner, Tricia Diduch and Chief Hollinger Also present: Dave Bennington

Absent: Jodi May

Motion by Mr. Danielson, second by Mr. Winters, to waive the reading of and approve the minutes of December 17, 2024. All ayes. Motion approved 2-0.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Ms. Kieffer stated that the Rockton Lions Club has inquired about the bill they have been paying for Settlers Park. Mr. Winters questioned if the bill was just for the one panel in the park. Ms. Kieffer stated that the treasurer from the Rockton Lions Club is going to provide a copy of the bills for the Village to review. Ms. Diduch said that the Village needs to verify what meter number the Rockton Lions Club has been receiving the bill for in Settlers Park.

SPECIAL WARRANT CONSIDERATIONS

Ms. Kieffer stated that the Committee may notice that Payment Service Network (PSN) is included on a monthly basis for utility processing.

RECOMMENDATION OF PAYMENT

Bills were reviewed and recommended for approval in the amount of $334,417.72.

MAYOR PETERSON

Mayor Peterson stated that he will have something at the next meeting in regards to the Village Administrator job description.

VILLAGE TREASURER, SALLY BENNETT

Mrs. Bennett advised the Committee that she reviewed the December bank statements and that the interest rates have slightly decreased. Mrs. Bennett said that even with the interest rates decreasing the Village is still doing great. Mrs. Bennett said that we are at 112% in that area of the budget with interest coming in since June and that we are beyond where we thought we would be. Mrs. Bennet added that she met with Jeff Vohs from CBI Bank today and that nobody knows where the rates are headed.

Mrs. Bennet stated that Ms. May wanted to talk about the Sonoco property loan because it’s in the downtown TIF. Mrs. Bennett said that the Village is okay even if something happened because the property taxes are paid in arrears. Mrs. Bennet also commented that there would be no benefit in paying off the Sonoco property early.

DAVE WINTERS, CHAIRMAN

None.

JODI MAY, TRUSTEE

None.

SCOTT DANIELSON, TRUSTEE

None.

VILLAGE COLLECTOR

Ms. Kieffer stated that she received information from Gallagher in regards to employee benefits and that medical coverage is increasing by 11.91% and dental is increasing by 2.7%. Ms. Kieffer said that Dave Syverson (benefits consultant) can come and talk to the Committee in regards to this, but that she wanted everyone to look at this and digest the information. Ms. Kieffer stated that February is open enrollment and that the Village’s renewal is in March. Mayor Peterson advised Ms. Kieffer to have Mr. Syverson come to either the next meeting in January or the first meeting in February.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS ALLOWED BY LAW

None.

ADJOURN

Motion by Mr. Danielson, second by Mr. Winters to adjourn at 6:51 pm.

https://rocktonil.gov/vertical/sites/%7B5EFC50B8-A3D6-48DC-ACA0-E05F307CFA0B%7D/uploads/1-7-25_Budget__Finance_Minutes.pdf