Village of Rockton Budget & Finance Committee met Jan. 20.
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
Mr. York called the regular meeting of the Budget & Finance Committee to order at 6:30 pm. Members present: Mayor Peterson, Dan Baumgartner, Justin York, Sally Bennett and Connie Kieffer Staff present: Dan Barber, Mark Henderson, Chief Hollinger and Happy Welch
Absent: Mr. Winters
Motion by Mr. Baumgartner, second by Mr. York, to waive the reading of and approve the minutes of January 6, 2026. All ayes. Motion approved 2-0.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
SPECIAL WARRANT CONSIDERATIONS
None.
RECOMMENDATION OF PAYMENT
Bills were reviewed and recommended for approval in the amount of $225,817.68.
MAYOR PETERSON
None.
VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR – HAPPY WELCH
Mr. Welch stated that he discussed the health insurance renewal with the Administration Committee and inquired if the Village could delay this another week before we made a decision and the answer is no. Mr. Welch explained that the options given to the Village is outside what the police union contract allows and that he spoke with Atty. Sosnowski about this as well. Mr. Welch advised the Committee that it’s almost a 21% premium increase ($131,911.68) for the Village’s current plan, but that vision and dental premiums will remain the same. Mr. Welch stated that he would like to take a look at other insurance in the fall and that the police contract could potentially be amended if they feel another insurance option is better. Chief Hollinger commented that there’s potential for this to work and that they will sit down with everyone when it’s time and have a discussion. Mr. Baumgartner added that he has dealt with a similar situation with the teachers’ union and that he would be willing to help with the education piece.
VILLAGE TREASURER, SALLY BENNETT
Treasurer Bennett stated that December was the final payments for property taxes and that we are at 52% of the budget in revenue. Treasurer Bennett said that all funds except for water have more revenue than expense. Treasurer Bennet advised the Committee that she is expecting the funds from the IEPA for the Blackhawk project reimbursement ($1,290,426.80). Treasurer Bennett stated that she’s going to put the reimbursed funds back into the Illinois funds/general fund. Treasurer Bennett said that she received the last payment from the Napoli PFAS class action lawsuit on December 30th and that the total funds received (including interest) was $795,884.21. Mr. York inquired if Treasurer Bennett could have a breakdown for the next meeting of the pooled cash because he’s having a hard time following all of this. Lastly, Treasurer Bennett stated that looking at January we are currently at 73% percent of the budget in revenue and we are still doing very well.
DAVE WINTERS, CHAIRMAN
None.
DAN BAUMGARTNER, TRUSTEE
Mr. Baumgartner advised that the Committee will no longer be reviewing warrants at 6 pm and we will need to remove this item from future agendas. Mr. Baumgartner stated that roll call will remain at 6:30
pm. The Village Clerk advised that she will speak with Atty. Szeto and inquire if the Village Board will have to pass a new resolution for the 2026 meetings dates since the Village has to change two other meetings because municipalities can no longer hold meetings on Election Day.
JUSTIN YORK, TRUSTEE
None.
VILLAGE COLLECTOR, CONNIE KIEFFER
None.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS ALLOWED BY LAW
None.
ADJOURN
Motion by Mr. Baumgartner, second by Mr. York to adjourn at 6:55 pm.
https://rocktonil.gov/vertical/sites/%7B5EFC50B8-A3D6-48DC-ACA0-E05F307CFA0B%7D/uploads/1-20-26_Budget__Finance_Minutes.pdf
