McLean County Times

McLean County Finance Committee met Oct. 5.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

The Finance Committee of the McLean County Board met at 4:30 p.m. in Room 400 of the Government Center, 115 East Washington Street, Bloomington, IL.

Members Present: Chairman Catherine Metsker, Members Gerald Thompson, Chuck Erickson, William Friedrich, Val Laymon and Ryan Lawler.

Members Absent: Member Josh Barnett

Other Members Present: None

Staff Present: Cassy Taylor, County Administrator; Cathy Dreyer, Assistant County Administrator; Anthony Grant, Assistant County Administrator; Taylor Williams, Assistant State’s Attorney – Civil Division; Julie A. Morlock, Recording Secretary

Department Heads/Elected Officials Present: Michelle Anderson, McLean County Auditor; Rebecca McNeil, Treasurer; Marshell Thomson, Animal Control; Jerry Vogler, Veteran’s Assistance; Tim Jorczak, Supervisor of Assessments

Others Present: Rob Williamson, Evergreen Solutions, LLC

Chairman Metsker called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. and declared a quorum.

Chairman Metsker presented the September 7, 2022, regular meeting minutes of the Finance Committee for approval.

Motion by Friedrich/Lawler to approve the September 7, 2022, regular meeting minutes of the Finance Committee.

Motion carried.

Chairman Metsker presented the Finance Committee with bills in the amount of $934,995.26 for review, and approval as transmitted by the County Auditor. She noted there were no transfers to come before the Committee.

Motion by Thompson/Laymon to approve the bills as presented.

Motion carried.

Chairman Metsker confirmed with Ms. Taylor there were requests to speak by members of the public.

Mr. Don Meyer, former Extension Leader came forward. He provided information on the Extension Budget and carry over amount. He stated stock piling tax dollars was not good policy. He noted numerous volunteers have left or been fired. He stated threats have been made regarding cuts to programs but noted the fund balance should cover programs so there should not be programs cuts.

Chuck Erickson entered meeting at 4:40 p.m.

Ms. Sandra McGhee stated 2.7 million in reserve and waiving of 4H fees speaks to financial stability. She noted her concern about volunteers leaving as they are what keep the programs going. She noted that volunteer hours save Extension thousands of dollars a year.

Ms. Carolyn Hansen shared concerns about 4H and indicated that programs should not be cut with 2.7 fund balance and children paying for their own projects. She noted she was concerned in the decrease in participation, volunteers leaving and questionable facts and lack of transparency with Extension.

Chairman Metsker presented on behalf of Ms. Cassy Taylor, County Administrator a request to approve the Fiscal Year 2023 Recommended Budget for the Co-Operative Extension Fund 0133, Co-Operative Extension Department 0088, Co-Operative Extension Program 0088. Ms. Laymon thanked speakers. She stated she was concerned that making large financial cut in

youth outreach and education would impact programs. She stated that 12-15 months reserve helped Extension through State budget situation and challenges with COVID. Ms. Laymon stated Committee was there to focus on budget and while Extension should be held accountable for other issues the Committee’s focus should be on the financial piece. She went over figures in the budget the last few years and noted that Extension has indicated they would have to cut programs because of this reduction. She asked if there could be a way to meet in the middle and compromise so programs will not be cut. She indicated she felt a message had been sent about being accountable but did not want to have youth in community suffer.

Member Laymon asked for motion to try to compromise with a $200,000 budget.

Mr. Thompson indicated they have made comments over multiple years that have fallen on deaf ears. He noted that Extension has a 150% reserve whereas our Board holds a 12% reserve. He stated he felt Extension was being financially irresponsible with tax payer dollars. He stated with that reserve there should not be a cut in programs. Member Erickson called for a roll call vote.

Motion Laymon/Lawler to amend budget from $30,000 to $200,000.

Roll call vote Members Erickson, Friedrich, Thompson and Metsker voted no. Members Laymon and Lawler voted yes.

Motion failed.

Mr. Erickson asked that the press present facts in their articles as there is no need for programs to be cut and to say that programs will be cut is not factual. Mr. Friedrich stated he had heard from friends who work with extension and a lot of people are heartbroken over how leadership has directed their agenda. He noted he was opposed to funding a larger budget. Ms. Metsker noted Extension Board consists of three people appointed by Extension and three Mclean County Board members – Members Metsker, Soeldner, and Thompson. She noted that Extension Board voted for a $30,000 levy. She further noted that during budget conversation she noted to Ms. McCoy and Ms. Sibley that if $30,000 levy was passed and with 2.7 million in reserve there should not be a reduction in programs. Ms. Metsker indicated that Ms. McCoy stated there would not be. Ms. Metsker stated she supported the $30,000 dollars as she trusted Ms. McCoy that there would not be a reduction in programs.

Mr. Lawler stated he was coming at this issue as an educator and educators continue to face cuts. He provided examples of cuts in education positions. He further noted that as a Consumer Ed teacher he teaches having a reserve. Ms. Laymon indicated her request for a compromise was not to take away from how the volunteers feel but she felt those concerns should be directed back to Extension leadership and not considered when looking at the budget. She stated going from 500,000 a couple of years ago to 30,000 this year was a large cut.

Mr. Thompson noted that no one on the Extension Board voted against the budget as there were 5 yes and 1 abstain. He also noted he had spoken with other counties and they also have concerns with Extension. Ms. Metsker stated that every year they asked them to reduce spending but spending continues to go up. She also noted that Reserve started at 1.3 million a few years ago and is now 2.7 million. Ms. Metsker called the question.

Motion by Friedrich/Erickson to recommend approval of the Fiscal Year 2023 Recommended Budget for the Co-Operative Extension Fund 0133, Co-Operative Extension Department 0088, Co-Operative Extension Program 0088.

Motion Carried.

Chairman Metsker invited Rob Williamson from Evergreen Solutions, LLC forward to provide a presentation on the salary study..

Mr. Williamson went over the study goals including review of current system, survey peer organizations and provide recommendations that are fair and competitive. He indicated there were 4 phases to the project: outreach, internal analysis, external analysis and providing a solution. He went over information gathered in outreach, internal analysis and external analysis including employee comments and markets consulted. He then went over the results and recommendations.

Ms. Laymon asked what the training he mentioned would involve. Mr. Williamson indicated it would involve helping the team slot people in the next year, such as if there is a need to add a new position or change a position, to make sure it would fit to maintain internal equity.

Mr. Erickson asked how that would work for employees who leave and then come back. Mr. Williamson noted that stability of local government may be better in the next few years when compared with private companies. He stated it would be up to County policy to dictate that.

Ms. Taylor noted that while they would have liked to implement the plan in one year, due to general fund tax cap they were required to split the plan between two years with a higher percentage in the first year. Ms. Metsker asked her to confirm that salary study changes are already included in the budgets that are being presented. Ms. Taylor confirmed. Ms. Metsker asked how this information was being given to Department Heads and employees. Ms. Taylor indicated Administration Staff was completing individual meetings with Department Heads in which they look at classifications in their respective department and discuss any changes. She noted that after the budget is approved by the Board, Staff will complete individual payroll sheets for every employee so they will know where they stand as a result of the study. Ms. Taylor noted Staff anticipates an annual review with HR team in future years as to any changes that would need to be brought to the Board to stay current. Ms. Metsker asked Mr. Williamson why they might not be able to share certain survey information. Mr. Williamson indicated they followed federal guidelines that include data defense to make sure fair and equitable and avoid collusion. He stated there was no concern about sharing the aggregate data as that would still be compliant with federal guidelines.

Ms. Michael asked if she could be recognized. Ms. Metsker allowed it. Ms. Michael asked how employees will know what they are making as a result of the study. Ms. Taylor again noted that each employee will receive a payroll change form that will explain the change and how the change was determined. She also noted staff will not receive information until later in the year after the budget has been approved and reports have been generated. She also noted that changes will take effect in January.

Mr. Erickson stated this year we are making our employees a priority as they should be. Ms. Metsker asked Staff to confirm no employee’s salary went down as part of salary study. Ms. Taylor stated some positions were at market or above but no salaries were decreased.

Ms. Metsker thanked them for their efforts as this was long needed. She noted that in the past there have been other priorities but needed to turn the priority to the staff. Ms. Taylor thanked Mr. Williamson and his staff. She also gave a special thanks to Amy Baker and Rachel Neisler for all the work they have done on this project.

Chairman Metsker presents on behalf of Kathy Michael, County Clerk a request to approve an Illinois State Board of Elections Voter Registration State Grant 2023 Acceptance Agreement. Ms. Michael indicated this grant has been received for several years.

Motion by Lawler/Laymon to recommend approval of an Illinois State Board of Elections Voter Registration State Grant 2023 Acceptance Agreement.

Motion Carried.

Chairman Metsker presented on behalf of Ms. Micheal a request to approve an Illinois State Board of Elections Polling Place Accessibility Federal Grant 2023 Acceptance Agreement. Ms. Michael went over funds provided and what it will cover.

Motion by Thompson/Laymon to recommend approval of an Illinois State Board of Elections Polling Place Accessibility Federal Grant 2023 Acceptance Agreement. Motion Carried.

Ms. Metsker stated to keep the meeting moving they would not go into detail on reports and asked that if there were specific questions to please reach out to the department head.

Ms. Marshell Thomson presented her monthly reports to the Committee and noted things were going well. Chairman Metsker asked members to again reach out to Ms. Thomson if there were any specific questions.

Michelle Anderson, County Auditor presented quarterly reports for 2022. Ms. Anderson briefly went over a couple of highlights including decrease in loss at the Nursing Home.

Mr. Timothy Jorczak, Supervisor of Assessments presented a report to the Committee and noted updated information. Ms. Metsker thanked him for meetings throughout the County to help with tax information. Mr. Jorczak stated there would be a final public information session on October 26th in Room 400 of the Government Center at 5:30 p.m. Mr. Thompson asked about response at meetings. Mr. Jorczak indicated good turnout and response. Ms. Metsker reminded members and public that just because this meeting is in Bloomington it was open to everyone in the County. Chairman Metsker asked if there were any additional questions or comments; hearing none, she thanked him.

Chairman Metsker presented on behalf of Ms. Becky McNeil, County Treasurer a request to approve Resolutions Authorizing the County Board Chair to Execute Deeds of Conveyance. Ms. McNeil indicated several this month because of auction.

Motion by Thompson/Erickson to recommend approval of Resolutions Authorizing the County Board Chair to Execute Deeds of Conveyance.

Motion Carried.

Chairman Metsker presented on behalf of Ms. Becky McNeil, County Treasurer a request to approve Resolutions Authorizing the County Board Chair to Assign Mobile Home Tax Sale Certificates of Purchase.

Motion by Thompson/Laymon to recommend approval of Resolutions Authorizing the County Board Chair to Assign Mobile Home Tax Sale Certificates of Purchase.

Motion Carried.

Chairman Metsker presented on behalf of Ms. Becky McNeil, County Treasurer a request to approve a Resolution Authorizing the County Board chair to Surrender Mobile Home Tax Sale Certificate of Purchase.

Motion by Erickson/Lawler to recommend approval of a Resolution Authorizing the County Board chair to Surrender Mobile Home Tax Sale Certificate of Purchase.

Motion Carried.

Chairman Metsker presented on behalf of Ms. Becky McNeil, County Treasurer a request to accept and place on file the County’s Treasurer’s Monthly Financial Reports. She went over interest rates and tax revenue. Ms. McNeil noted an increase in claims that the stop loss insurance assist with again. She went over the Nursing Home report through the month of August noting revenue is highest it has been this year. Ms. Metsker thanked her for reaching out to Nursing Home about amounts. Ms. McNeil encouraged members to please reach out to her with any questions.

Motion by Laymon/Erickson to accept and place on file the County Treasurer’s Monthly Financial Reports.

Motion Carried.

Ms. Cassy Taylor, County Administrator presented for action a request to approve a Resolution Establishing Rates for Health and Life Insurance Coverage. Ms. Taylor noted error in memo as there is a minimal increase of 3% to employees and 6.2% increase in the County portion. Ms. Metsker asked her to confirm increase reflected in budget. Ms. Taylor confirmed.

Motion by Erickson/Thompson to recommend approval of a Resolution Establishing Rates for Health and Life Insurance Coverage

Motion Carried.

Ms. Cassy Taylor, County Administrator presented for action a request to approve the Fiscal Year 2023 Recommended Budget for the County Treasurer Department 0004, including: General Fund 0001 Financial Management Program 0004; and Collector Automation Fund 0168, Financial Management Program 0004. Ms. Taylor went over functions in Treasurer’s office and the revenues and expenses. Overall budget is reduced by 1% and added full time accounting specialist position. Ms. Taylor noted an adjustment in 800 line to include work station for new employee $4,000. Ms. Metsker noted decreases and thanked Ms. McNeil for her efforts on the budget. Ms. Metsker asked if changes in salaries were due to the salary study changes. Ms. Taylor confirmed.

Motion by Laymon/Thompson to recommend approval of Fiscal Year 2023 Recommended Budget for the County Treasurer Department 0004, including: General Fund 0001 Financial Management Program 0004; and Collector Automation Fund 0168, Financial Management Program 0004.

Motion Carried.

Ms. Cassy Taylor, County Administrator presented for action a request to approve Fiscal Year 2023 Recommended Budget for the Veterans Assistance Commission Fund 0136, Veteran’s Assistance Department 0065, Veteran’s Assistance Program 0074. She went over services provided and changes in the budget. Ms. Metsker thanked him for the services they provide. Ms. Metsker encouraged Mr. Vogler to have Veterans reach out to the Supervisor of Assessment for exemptions they are entitled to. Mr. Vogler provided a background on Veterans Assistance noting that they were chartered by the Federal government, but States took on regulating Veteran’s Assistance Commission. He noted there was a law passed that will change the bottom line on Commission funding. He indicated law will require an officer in each county and would be a 400% increase in their budget. He stated there is still a lot of discussion on what the law means so he did not include it in the budget. Ms. Metsker asked about funding if position is required by law. Ms. Taylor indicated they could utilize reserve funds if they have to change staff and would discuss a change in the levy for next year.

Motion by Lawler/Laymon to recommend approval of Fiscal Year 2023 Recommended Budget for the Veterans Assistance Communication Fund 0136, Veteran’s Assistance Department 0065, Veteran’s Assistance Program 0074. Motion Carried.

Ms. Cassy Taylor, County Administrator presented for action a request to approve Fiscal Year 2023 Recommended Budget for the Historical Museum Fund 0134, Historical Museum Department 0072, Historical Museum Maintenance Program 0072. Ms. Taylor went over revenue and expenses for the budget.

Motion by Thompson/Lawler to recommend approval of Fiscal Year 2023 Recommended Budget for the Historical Museum Fund 0134, Historical Museum Department 0072, Historical Museum Maintenance Program 0072.

Motion Carried.

Ms. Cassy Taylor, County Administrator presented for action a request to approve Fiscal Year 2023 Recommended Budget for the General Fund 0001, Bloomington Election Commission Department 0048, City Elections Program 0053. Ms. Taylor introduced Luke Stremlau, the new Director. She indicated State statute allows for the formation for election commissions and this budget had a 6% increase for requested amount in part due to the new location of their offices.

Motion by Erickson/Laymon to recommend approval of Fiscal Year 2023 Recommended Budget for the General Fund 0001, Bloomington Election Commission Department 0048, City Elections Program 0053.

Motion Carried.

Ms. Cassy Taylor, County Administrator presented for action a request to approve Fiscal Year 2023 Recommended Budget for the General Fund 0001, County Auditor Department 0003, Auditing & Financial Management Program 0003. Ms. Taylor went over budget expenses noting that only increase was in salary line.

Motion by Thompson/Laymon to recommend approval of Fiscal Year 2023 Recommended Budget for the General Fund 0001, County Auditor Department 0003, Auditing & Financial Management Program 0003.

Motion Carried.

Ms. Cassy Taylor, County Administrator presented for action a request to approve Fiscal Year 2023 Recommended Budget for the General Fund 0001, Assessment Office Department 0049, including: Property Assess/Review/Supervise Program 0054; and Board of Review Program 0055. Ms. Taylor provided budget overview – increase of 15% and went over increases. Ms. Metsker thanked for explanations in increases as percentages make it seem like large amounts when they are actually small dollar amount changes.

Motion by Laymon/Erickson to recommend approval of Fiscal Year 2023 Recommended Budget for the General Fund 0001, Assessment Office Department 0049, including: Property Assess/Review/Supervise Program 0054; and Board of Review Program 0055.

Motion Carried.

Ms. Cassy Taylor, County Administrator presented for action a request to approve Request approval of Fiscal Year 2023 Recommended Budget for the County Clerk Department 0005, including: General Fund 0001, Elections Program 0006, Records Program 0007, and Legal Records Documentation 0008; and Recorder Document Storage Fund 0137, Legal Records Documentation Program 0008; and County Clerk Document Storage Fund 0164, Records Program 0007; and GIS Fees Fund 0167, Legal Records Documentation Program 0008. Ms. Taylor went over budget totals for all budgets as well as changes in each budget. Ms. Laymon asked about increase in records 410.0025 budget. Ms. Michael stated she did not have an answer. Ms. Taylor noted the Clerk’s staff had indicated they felt there might be a rebound as things open up which would lead to an increase in requests for licenses and certificates. Ms. Metsker asked about Administrator surcharge. Ms. Taylor explained how surcharge was figured as a percentage of department budget compared to total budget.

Motion by Laymon/Thompson to recommend approval of Fiscal Year 2023 Recommended Budget for the County Clerk Department 0005, including: General Fund 0001, Elections Program 0006, Records Program 0007, and Legal Records Documentation 0008; and Recorder Document Storage Fund 0137, Legal Records Documentation Program 0008; and County Clerk Document Storage Fund 0164, Records Program 0007; and GIS Fees Fund 0167, Legal Records Documentation Program 0008.

Motion Carried.

Ms. Cassy Taylor, County Administrator presented for action a request to approve Fiscal Year 2023 Recommended Budget for the General Fund 0001, Animal Control Department 0032, including: Animal Control Program 0065; and Municipal Warden Program 0066. Ms. Taylor went over budget overview and services they provide. Mr. Thompson asked for clarification of fringe benefits. Ms. Taylor indicated that included insurance, IMRF.. Ms. Metsker asked about the increase in medical and nursing supplies. Ms. Thomson indicated they have more animals so the cost for keeping the animals healthy has increased. Ms. Laymon asked about decrease in revenue. Ms. Thomson indicated trust payment had not been submitted at time of printing, but they would be receiving the $180,000.

Motion by Laymon/Thompson to recommend approval of Fiscal Year 2023 Recommended Budget for the General Fund 0001, Animal Control Department 0032, including: Animal Control Program 0065; and Municipal Warden Program 0066.

Motion Carried.

Ms. Cassy Taylor, County Administrator presented for action a request to approve Fiscal Year 2023 Recommended Budget for the Tort Judgement Fund 0135, Tort Judgement Department 0077, including: Risk Management/Insurance Program 0077; and Risk Management/Civil Program 0078. Ms. Taylor went over the budget and changes to this budget. Ms. Metsker asked about anticipated claims. Ms. Taylor confirmed anticipated not actual. Mr. Thompson asked for clarification on the 33% increase. Mr. Spanos stated Gallagher forecasted an increase in general as the market is increasing. He noted this is not a loss-based increase.

Motion by Lawler/Thompson to recommend approval of Fiscal Year 2023 Recommended Budget for the Tort Judgement Fund 0135, Tort Judgement Department 0077, including: Risk Management/Insurance Program 0077; and Risk Management/Civil Program 0078.

Motion Carried.

Ms. Taylor indicated she had nothing further for the Committee. Chairman Metsker asked if anyone had any questions; hearing none, she thanked her.

Mr. Thompson thanked Staff for their work on the budget. Ms. Metsker thanked Mr. Leary of the Information Technologies Department for putting the extra hours this month for the meetings. Mr. Lawler thanked them for the experience he has gained being on the Board during budget meetings.

Chairman Metsker asked if there was other business to come before the Committee; hearing nothing, she adjourned the meeting at 7:06 p.m.

https://www.mcleancountyil.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/9241