Kane County Finance and Budget Committee Met April 28.
Here is the minutes provided by the committee:
1. Call to Order
Chairman Berman called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.
| Attendee Name | Organization | Title | Status | Arrived |
| Dale Berman | Kane County | Chairman | Present | |
| Bill Lenert | Kane County | Vice Chair | Present | |
| Ron Ford | Kane County | Board Member | Present | |
| John Martin | Kane County | Board Member | Present | |
| Jarett Sanchez | Kane County | Board Member | Present | |
| Clifford Surges | Kane County | Board Member | Present | |
| Vern Tepe | Kane County | Board Member | Present | |
| Corinne M. Pierog | Kane County | Ex-Officio County Board Chair | Present | |
| Kenneth C. Shepro | Kane County | Ex-Officio County Board Vice Chair | Absent |
2. Minutes Approval: March 31, 2021
| RESULT: APPROVED BY ROLL CALL VOTE [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Bill Lenert, Vice Chair SECONDER: Ron Ford, Board Member AYES: Dale Berman, Bill Lenert, Ron Ford, John Martin, Jarett Sanchez, Clifford Surges, Vern Tepe |
None
4. Treasurer's Report (M. Kilbourne)
Chairman Berman welcomed newly appointed Treasurer Michael Kilbourne. Treasurer Kilbourne acknowledged the treasurer's report was included and is on file.
5. Finance Director's Report (J. Onzick)
A. Monthly Report
Dir. Onzick addressed the committee and noted his monthly report was attached to the agenda for review. He discussed and gave explanation for the variances and acknowledged the 2020 audit is near completion and would be completed by the statutory deadline of May 29, 2021, 180 days after year’s end.
Dir. Onzick reported the Illinois Department of Revenue has confirmed the sales tax at the rate of 2.5% would begin being collected on cannabis sales by the municipalities as of 5/1/2021and noted the county would receive its first payment in August. He acknowledged the increased rate of 3.75% for both municipalities and incorporated areas as of July 1, 2021.
Dir. Onzick reported the State Tax revenue year to date was well above the prior year and significantly above the budgeted amount. He noted the sales tax was exceptionally high. Onzick reported as of 4/2/21 the health insurance fund indicated that $1,615,782 more has been collected in refunds and contributions than was expensed. He noted the cash balance for the Health Insurance Fund was $7,625,244.
Dir. Onzick reported the CRF funds have all been virtually expended. He gave a brief report and noted a remaining amount that was put aside for administrative purposes. He reported a budget adjustment would be needed to close out the business grant program from the savings generated by the payroll reimbursement. Onzick acknowledged there was no additional information or requirements available from the US Treasury Department regarding the American Rescue funds.
Member Surges inquired about the IMRF variances. Onzick reported this was the result of an outstanding market performance reflected in the earnings. Further discussion occurred. Dir. Onzick acknowledged the new purchasing director is working hard on 21 different projects. He reported a year to date savings of $216K already achieved. Member Lenert inquired about the special reserve funds. Onzick noted the information was included in his report on page 69 and gave a brief oral report.
B. FY 2022 Budget
Dir. Onzick reported a finance request had been made to each office and department for their estimated 5 year revenues and individual covid impacts. He noted the purpose was to document and calculate the covid loss for the county and possibly recoup. He asked for a consensus from the committee to enable the process. Chair Berman confirmed the committee’s consensus by requesting objections. No objects were obtained.
6. Auditor's Report (P. Wegman)
Auditor Wegman acknowledged the auditor's report was on file. She reported the included salary analysis for our neighboring counties elected officials for informational purposes.
7. New Business
A. Discussion: Dedicated Use of County Cannabis Tax
Member Martin inquired about the anticipated cannabis tax amount. Dir. Onzick confirmed that information had not been made available yet. Martin continued discussion and noted the decreasing river boat funds. He encouraged continued discussions pertaining to our nonprofit obligations and effects of the decreased funding. Further discussion occurred. Surges questioned if past conversations had obligated the cannabis funds. He discussed the importance of support for substance abuse. Lenert confirmed there were no earmarked plans for the cannabis funds and reiterated the importance of using these funds to supplement the river boat funding. Tepe discussed the importance of looking logically at what the county needs to provide the population and to justify a service not the funding attached to the service. Further discussion occurred by the committee. Chair Martin suggested the funds be added to the general fund and paid out as needed. Dir. Fahnestock gave an historical account of the Three E’s, the agreement with stipulations that assured riverboat funds would be used for energy and environmental needs, educational outreaches or economic developments. Madam Chair suggested the state's attorney's office should review and acknowledge if there was any mandates attached to the cannabis funds. She noted the increase of opioid deaths published this week and acknowledged it was now the drug of choice. She affirmed her support for environmental issues however she would strongly advocate for the support of programs that tackle the drug crisis. Member Ford concurred and noted the importance of finding out the dollar amount. He continued to suggest the board review nonprofits that have been servicing the community. Sanchez discussed allocating these funds to the public health department and noted addiction services lack of riverboat funding.
B. Resolution: Authorizing Fiscal Year 2021 Budget Adjustment to Provide Funding for Town Hall Meetings relating to Redistricting
Madam Chair Pierog noted this money would support 4 town halls beginning in May that would take place throughout the county. She acknowledged the intent to hire supporting employees and a court reporter. Pierog requested the resolution be directed to the May 4, 2021 Special County Board Meeting.
| RESULT: MOVED FORWARD WITH ROLLCALL VOTE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 5/4/2021 3:00 PM TO: County Board
MOVER: Jarett Sanchez, Board Member SECONDER: Bill Lenert, Vice Chair AYES: Dale Berman, Bill Lenert, Ron Ford, John Martin, Jarett Sanchez, Clifford Surges, Vern Tepe, |
| RESULT: MOVED FORWARD WITH ROLLCALL VOTE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 5/5/2021 9:00 AM TO: Executive Committee
MOVER: Bill Lenert, Vice Chair SECONDER: Vern Tepe, Board Member AYES: Dale Berman, Bill Lenert, Ron Ford, John Martin, Jarett Sanchez, Clifford Surges, Vern Tepe, |
Judge Hull reported the case increase that support the need for a second courtroom buildout at JJC and his recommendation to utilize the judicial facilities fee and covid savings to fund.
| RESULT: MOVED FORWARD WITH ROLLCALL VOTE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 5/5/2021 9:00 AM TO: Executive Committee
MOVER: Vern Tepe, Board Member SECONDER: Clifford Surges, Board Member AYES: Dale Berman, Bill Lenert, Ron Ford, John Martin, Jarett Sanchez, Clifford Surges, Vern Tepe, |
| RESULT: MOVED FORWARD WITH ROLLCALL VOTE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 5/5/2021 9:00 AM TO: Executive Committee
MOVER: Vern Tepe, Board Member SECONDER: John Martin, Board Member AYES: Dale Berman, Bill Lenert, Ron Ford, John Martin, Jarett Sanchez, Clifford Surges, Vern Tepe, |
Chair Berman reviewed language changes. Dir. Fahnestock briefly discussed the changes to the license agreement and noted the agreements financials of $2023.30 per year for a period of 10 years.
| RESULT: MOVED FORWARD WITH ROLLCALL VOTE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 5/5/2021 9:00 AM TO: Executive Committee
MOVER: John Martin, Board Member SECONDER: Ron Ford, Board Member AYES: Dale Berman, Bill Lenert, Ron Ford, John Martin, Jarett Sanchez, Clifford Surges, Vern Tepe, |
| RESULT: MOVED FORWARD WITH ROLLCALL VOTE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 5/5/2021 9:00 AM TO: Executive Committee
MOVER: Bill Lenert, Vice Chair SECONDER: Jarett Sanchez, Board Member AYES: Dale Berman, Bill Lenert, Ron Ford, John Martin, Jarett Sanchez, Clifford Surges, Vern Tepe |
| RESULT: MOVED FORWARD WITH ROLLCALL VOTE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 5/5/2021 9:00 AM TO: Executive Committee
MOVER: Ron Ford, Board Member SECONDER: Jarett Sanchez, Board Member AYES: Dale Berman, Bill Lenert, Ron Ford, John Martin, Jarett Sanchez, Clifford Surges, Vern Tepe |
| RESULT: MOVED FORWARD WITH ROLLCALL VOTE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 5/5/2021 9:00 AM TO: Executive Committee
MOVER: Jarett Sanchez, Board Member SECONDER: Bill Lenert, Vice Chair AYES: Dale Berman, Bill Lenert, Ron Ford, John Martin, Jarett Sanchez, Clifford Surges, Vern Tepe |
| RESULT: MOVED FORWARD WITH ROLLCALL VOTE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 5/5/2021 9:00 AM TO: Executive Committee
MOVER: Ron Ford, Board Member SECONDER: Jarett Sanchez, Board Member AYES: Dale Berman, Bill Lenert, Ron Ford, John Martin, Jarett Sanchez, Clifford Surges, Vern Tepe |
| RESULT: MOVED FORWARD WITH ROLLCALL VOTE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 5/5/2021 9:00 AM TO: Executive Committee
MOVER: Jarett Sanchez, Board Member SECONDER: Bill Lenert, Vice Chair AYES: Dale Berman, Bill Lenert, Ron Ford, John Martin, Jarett Sanchez, Clifford Surges, Vern Tepe |
| RESULT: MOVED FORWARD WITH ROLLCALL VOTE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 5/5/2021 9:00 AM TO: Executive Committee
MOVER: John Martin, Board Member SECONDER: Jarett Sanchez, Board Member AYES: Dale Berman, Bill Lenert, Ron Ford, John Martin, Jarett Sanchez, Clifford Surges, Vern Tepe |
| RESULT: MOVED FORWARD WITH ROLLCALL VOTE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 5/5/2021 9:00 AM TO: Executive Committee
MOVER: Bill Lenert, Vice Chair SECONDER: John Martin, Board Member AYES: Dale Berman, Bill Lenert, Ron Ford, John Martin, Jarett Sanchez, Clifford Surges, Vern Tepe |
| RESULT: MOVED FORWARD WITH ROLLCALL VOTE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 5/5/2021 9:00 AM TO: Executive Committee
MOVER: Jarett Sanchez, Board Member SECONDER: Ron Ford, Board Member AYES: Dale Berman, Bill Lenert, Ron Ford, John Martin, Jarett Sanchez, Clifford Surges, Vern Tepe, Corinne M. Pierog, Kenneth C. Shepro |
| RESULT: MOVED FORWARD WITH ROLLCALL VOTE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 5/5/2021 9:00 AM TO: Executive Committee
MOVER: Jarett Sanchez, Board Member SECONDER: Ron Ford, Board Member AYES: Dale Berman, Bill Lenert, Ron Ford, John Martin, Jarett Sanchez, Clifford Surges, Vern Tepe |
Member Tepe moved to table the resolution until properly vetted by the public health department. No second was obtained to the motion. Tepe reported his concerns. Member Sanchez confirmed this was discussed at the last public health committee meeting. Sanchez acknowledged there would be 2 public hearings on this resolution prior to going before the County Board. He reported SA Civil Div. Chief Niermann suggested this resolution be placed on the finance agenda. Sanchez affirmed this was a temporary pay increase that began last year under Exe. Dir. Jeffers to compensate people that are working long hours under extreme circumstances.
SA Niermann noted the temporary staff increase could be approved by Interim Exe. Dir. Fosser but it was the request of the board to have it return to the county board. She noted the interim director could not approve her own temporary increase in pay. Tepe stated regardless of what has been done in the past people should not be compensated this way it should be done through merit increases and he would not support it. Madam Chair Pierog clarified the funds would be coming directly from the public health department’s budget. Sanchez confirmed these funds were left over due to vacancies in staffing. He noted Kane County is historically high in population and low in budgeting to the public health department.
Member Martin acknowledged other departments that have worked as hard. He would like to reconsider the motion to table. Niermann noted that union employees are compensated for doing duties outside of their job description and exempt employees are working comparably. Member Lenert acknowledged the importance of the Board not micro managing the departments especially when there is no additional fund request.
Tepe moved to table the resolution, seconded by Surges. The vote was a tie. Chairman Berman voted not to table the resolution breaking the tie. Motion to table failed. Madam chair noted the importance of continued efforts to hire additional staff. County Board Member Brown questioned if approving this resolution would open this opportunity up to the other departments. Lenert confirmed that yes it does if there is a surplus in a department’s budget.
| RESULT: MOVED FORWARD WITH ROLLCALL VOTE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 5/5/2021 9:00 AM TO: Executive Committee
MOVER: Jarett Sanchez, Board Member SECONDER: Ron Ford, Board Member AYES: Dale Berman, Bill Lenert, Ron Ford, John Martin, Jarett Sanchez, Clifford Surges, Vern Tepe |
| RESULT: MOVED FORWARD WITH ROLLCALL VOTE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 5/5/2021 9:00 AM TO: Executive Committee
MOVER: Bill Lenert, Vice Chair SECONDER: Ron Ford, Board Member AYES: Dale Berman, Bill Lenert, Ron Ford, John Martin, Jarett Sanchez, Clifford Surges, Vern Tepe |
| RESULT: MOVED FORWARD WITH ROLLCALL VOTE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 5/5/2021 9:00 AM TO: Executive Committee
MOVER: Bill Lenert, Vice Chair SECONDER: Jarett Sanchez, Board Member AYES: Dale Berman, Bill Lenert, Ron Ford, John Martin, Jarett Sanchez, Clifford Surges, Vern Tepe |
None
9. Reports Placed On File
| RESULT: PLACE WRITTEN REPORTS ON FILE [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Ron Ford, Board Member SECONDER: Bill Lenert, Vice Chair AYES: Dale Berman, Bill Lenert, Ron Ford, John Martin, Jarett Sanchez, Clifford Surges, Vern Tepe |
None
11. Adjournment
| RESULT: APPROVED WITH VOICE VOTE [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Bill Lenert, Vice Chair SECONDER: Jarett Sanchez, Board Member AYES: Dale Berman, Bill Lenert, Ron Ford, John Martin, Jarett Sanchez, Clifford Surges, Vern Tepe |
http://kanecountyil.iqm2.com/Citizens/FileOpen.aspx?Type=12&ID=2960&Inline=True
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